🧱 Project Overview
Rightway Environmental was appointed to undertake licensed asbestos removal works at a building in Bristol city centre as part of a major redevelopment project.
The former office building is being completely stripped back to its structural shell before being transformed into modern student accommodation, helping to support Bristol’s growing university population. Before refurbishment works could progress, asbestos containing materials had to be safely removed from multiple locations throughout the building.
🧾 Scope of Works
Following refurbishment surveys, asbestos insulating board (AIB) was identified in several areas requiring licensed removal.
The scope of works included:
- Removal of AIB bulkheads above lift entrances across three floors.
- Removal of approximately 50m² of AIB ceiling within the former loading bay.
- Removal of AIB residues fixed to timber noggins above suspended ceilings following incomplete asbestos removal works undertaken by a previous contractor.
Due to the varying locations of the asbestos materials, the project required multiple enclosures to be constructed and dismantled as works progressed through the building.
⚙️ Our Approach
Careful planning was essential to ensure the works were completed safely while allowing the wider refurbishment programme to continue.
Purpose-built enclosures were established around each work area, with licensed removal techniques used throughout in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations and HSE guidance.
Because asbestos removal was being undertaken in several separate locations across a large multi-storey building, Rightway Environmental utilised a modular shower unit. This provided flexibility, allowing decontamination facilities to be positioned efficiently as work moved between enclosures, improving productivity while maintaining full compliance.
The client also provided comprehensive welfare facilities, ensuring suitable amenities were available throughout the project.
🤝 Challenges & Collaboration
The project presented several logistical challenges due to the size of the building and the number of separate asbestos removal locations.
Rather than working within a single enclosure, the team established multiple controlled work areas throughout the building, requiring careful planning and sequencing to minimise disruption to the ongoing redevelopment programme.
Another challenge involved the removal of asbestos residues left behind by previous contractors. These materials required detailed cleaning and careful removal to ensure the affected areas were left safe for refurbishment works to continue.
Despite a short interruption to the programme due to staff illness, Rightway Environmental successfully completed the project while maintaining high safety and quality standards.
🦺 Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibility
Health and safety remained the highest priority throughout the project.
Key control measures included:
- Fully controlled licensed asbestos removal techniques.
- Purpose-built enclosures with negative pressure units.
- Modular decontamination shower facilities.
- Air monitoring and enclosure integrity checks.
- Licensed asbestos waste handling and disposal.
- Close coordination with the principal contractor to safely integrate asbestos removal into the wider refurbishment programme.
All works were completed in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations and current HSE guidance.
✅ Project Outcome
The licensed asbestos removal works were successfully completed, allowing the refurbishment contractor to continue the soft strip and redevelopment of the building without delay.
By safely removing all identified asbestos insulating board and historic asbestos residues, Rightway Environmental helped prepare the building for its next phase of development into high-quality student accommodation.
🌍 Project Significance
The redevelopment represents the sustainable reuse of an existing commercial building, transforming vacant office space into much-needed student accommodation in Bristol city centre.
Rightway Environmental is proud to have supported this important regeneration project by delivering safe, compliant asbestos removal that enabled the refurbishment works to progress efficiently and safely.
