Remediation works at Waterfront East Park in Doncaster, one of the UK’s most prominent brownfield sites, have officially completed.
The 22-acre site on Chappell Drive, located close to the city centre and the River Don, had been largely underutilised for many years, occupied by small car parks, industrial units, a scrapyard and a pumping station.
Its historic industrial uses, combined with its proximity to the river, required thorough and carefully managed environmental remediation to make the land suitable for future development.
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, operating under Perfect Circle and procured through the SCAPE Consultancy Framework, was appointed by the City of Doncaster Council to provide project management, cost management, quantity surveying, civil engineering, building and construction safety and environmental services. The firm worked alongside main contractor Keltbray to remediate the site.
Image: City of Doncaster Council
Emelye Kenyon, director of environmental services at Pick Everard, said: “Given the site's former uses, it required us to bioremediate the land. This process involved mixing and aerating the soil to reinvigorate it and encourage naturally occurring microorganisms to break down contaminants. On this site, it was predominantly hydrocarbon contamination that we treated in this way.
“There were also areas of heavy metal contamination, which were remediated using a clean cover system. This involved importing around 1,044 loads of topsoil and 64 loads of subsoil. By combining these approaches, we were able to maximise the amount of material treated on site, significantly reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable remediation strategy.”
The project also included the removal of invasive plant species, notably a significant presence of Himalayan balsam along the drainage ditch running through the site. A specialist contractor was appointed to remove the plant and associated contaminated soils, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and preventing further spread.
Once remediation was complete, hydroseeding was undertaken to promote rapid vegetation establishment, with pre-soaked seed applied within a gel medium to accelerate germination.
The works also addressed extensive underground obstructions, including historic concrete footings, former roadways, car parks and floor slabs. Removal of the concrete pad from a former gas holder revealed significant additional sub-surface concrete, all of which was processed on site. Crushed materials were reused or sold, supporting a circular approach that minimised disposal and maximised recovery.
In total, Keltbray moved approximately 38,650 cubic metres of material across the site, reusing around 32,365 cubic metres. A total of 6,319 cubic metres of material was produced during the works, of which 1,000 cubic metres was reused on site to infill soft spots, backfill excavations where water was encountered and form haul roads.
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones said: “The Waterfront area was one of the largest brownfield sites in the North, with significant potential for development. It is now a prime site for development, with incredible potential and within walking distance of the city centre, and local, regional and national transport links.
“This project needed careful work to make sure that it becomes land that could be used for future development, and we are incredibly grateful to the work of all our partners who came together to manage and help remediate and clean up this piece of land. Residents have already begun using this green space and it is a delight to see it brought back to life.”
David Sloyan, Regional Director - Major Infrastructure at Keltbray, said: “Waterfront East Park is a fantastic example of how complex brownfield sites can be successfully transformed through innovative, sustainable remediation.
“Working in close partnership with City of Doncaster Council and Pick Everard, we have been able to safely manage and treat significant contamination, while maximising the reuse of materials on site. This approach not only reduces waste but supports the long-term regeneration potential of the area.
“We’re proud to have played a role in unlocking this important site for future development and creating a platform for lasting economic and social value.”
The project was delivered by City of Doncaster Council and was part-funded by the UK Government and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
With the remediation now complete, the Waterfront East Park is ready to support the next phase of regeneration.
