🏗️ Case Study: Asbestos Removal & Demolition Preparation – South Gloucestershire Regeneration Project
Client: Housing Association
Asbestos Removal Contractor: Rightway Environmental
Location: South Gloucestershire
Phase: Pre-Demolition Works
Date: March 2025
🧱 Project Overview
Rightway Environmental were appointed to undertake the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) across 72 residential flats and 44 garages ahead of demolition.
This formed Phase 1 of a major regeneration programme to replace mid-20th-century flats with 85 affordable, energy-efficient homes. The existing buildings were deemed defective due to damp, mould, and poor insulation, making them expensive for residents to heat.
🧾 Scope of Works
Comprehensive refurbishment and demolition surveys identified a variety of ACMs across the site, including:
- Floor tiles and bitumen adhesive
- Textured coatings to ceilings
- Soffit boards and entrance canopy panels
- Heating ducts
- Garage and bin store roofing sheets
- Asbestos packing used in doorframes and windowsills
During demolition, asbestos was also discovered within concrete floor slabs, historically used as shuttering — only identifiable after partial deconstruction began.
⚙️ Our Approach
Each type of asbestos material required a tailored method to ensure safe and compliant removal.
Ground Floor Flats
Concrete ceilings with asbestos texture coatings were treated within fully controlled enclosures. Steaming gels softened the coatings before manual scraping. All waste was double-bagged and sealed in approved asbestos waste sacks.
First Floor Flats
Plasterboard ceilings with textured coatings were removed under enclosure, with the plasterboard substrate and coating jointly disposed of as asbestos waste.
High-Level Soffits (Licensed Work)
Friable soffit materials were removed under full enclosure using fixed scaffolding. Working closely with the demolition contractor, we created internal access points to reduce ladder use and protect enclosures from weather exposure.
Close coordination between Rightway Environmental and the demolition team ensured safe sequencing of works and smooth progression through each stage.
🤝 Challenges & Collaboration
An unexpected discovery of asbestos shuttering within floor slabs required an adaptive response. By collaborating with the demolition contractor, Rightway Environmental safely managed the material without disruption to the project timeline.
The partnership between both contractors allowed for knowledge sharing, efficient planning, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
🦺 Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibility
All asbestos removal operations were performed under stringent control measures aligned with the Control of Asbestos Regulations and HSE guidance.
Key safety controls included:
- Negative pressure enclosures
- Continuous air monitoring
- Regular enclosure integrity checks
- Controlled waste handling and disposal
Prior to demolition, ecology surveys ensured no negative impact on wildlife. The housing association also worked closely with residents on re-housing and property repurchase as part of the regeneration process.
✅ Project Outcome
The asbestos removal and demolition preparation works were completed safely, on time, and fully compliant with all regulatory requirements.
Rightway Environmental’s proactive planning, technical expertise, and collaborative working provided a safe and efficient foundation for the regeneration of the site.
🌍 Project Significance
This regeneration project supports South Gloucestershire’s commitment to providing sustainable, affordable, and energy-efficient housing.
Rightway Environmental are proud to have played a key role in creating a safer environment for demolition teams, future construction works, and the community — helping transform outdated housing into modern homes fit for the future.
