Rightway Environmental have been working alongside a demolition company removing existing asbestos containing materials in preparation for new development schemes. While the demolition company were soft stripping this historic building peeling back the layers, asbestos containing materials had been exposed. Requiring our trained personnel to remove the asbestos safely in controlled environments with the use of purpose erected enclosures. Due to the structure of the building, and the different layers added over time this had caused some challenges along the way to overcome.

The department store had originally opened its doors in 1871 under the name of Brights and was the first and largest department store in Bournemouth changing ownership through the years before opening as House of Fraser in 2007.  This building was a significant historic building to Bournemouth falling victim to changing times and online shopping and eventually closed its doors in March 2022.

The re- development is a mixed use scheme consisting of 129 premium en-suite student apartments and 10 commercial units integrating historical elements with contemporary design bringing a new life to the building and, ultimately the town while reviving its past.

This project has been an interesting ride for Rightway, with the team learning new techniques along the way. The staff involved have been working with the demolition company in a controlled way, responding to additional requirements found during the removal of layers.

(photo credit- Bournemouth Echo)