The Auckland Project

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Overview

The Auckland Project, internally referred to as TAP, was a project that WL Straughan & Son undertook in Bishop Auckland. Centred mostly around the Faith Garden & Broadwalk areas of Auckland Castle. Initially our work was to conserve and cover over a previous archaeological dig on the 14th century Bek’s Chapel. 

 

The works comprised mostly of excavating and filling levels, installing drainage, kerbs, building a stone dressed retaining wall, stone masonry work, as well as a great plethora of natural stone paving.

 

The construction work was complimented with the installation of a tastefully designed emergency & decorative lighting to new and existing features around the castle, all computer controlled for ease of use to the client.

 

 

 

Machinery

The project required a wide array of specialised machinery, the vast majority being our own fully maintained and certified plant, with a handful of hires such as the large cranes.

Just some of the machinery we utilised during the Auckland Project:

  • 8T 360 Excavator
  • 14T Excavator
  • 5T Excavator
  • 1.5T Excavator
  • Mini Digger
  • Large Crane
  • Roller
  • Conveyor

Achieved Objectives

Temporary Access Bridge Installation

Access to the Faith Garden construction site was achieved with the installation of a Bailey Bridge to afford access for plant & materials. 

 

This was achieved using a heavy industrial crane. 

Filling Levels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archaeology Conserved

Foundations from the original 14th century Bek’s Chapel, which was demolished shortly after the English Civil War.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadwalk

Reprofiled and graded the Broadwalk track, including kerb lining & drainage.

 

 

 

 

Paving

 Vast amounts of natural stone paving was laid across the site to a very high standard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kerbing 

 750 metres of new kerb line installed, giving the Broadwalk a crisp definition. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lighting

The construction work was complimented with the installation of a tastefully designed emergency & decorative lighting to new and existing features around the castle, all computer controlled for ease of use to the client.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tree Planting 

Trees installed alongside the irrigation system within the Faith Garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retaining Wall Construction

Concrete shuttered retaining wall built to very high tolerances, faced off with both split & cut natural stone with integral lights along it’s entirety, complimented with a bespoke rail. 

 

Cobbles

Various laid samples of cobbles were provided to our client to closely match their expectations and robustness.

 

Salvaged cobbles from the site were also used. 

 

 

 

 

Underpinning & Rebuilding of the Castle Walls

Careful underpinning of existing external castle walls. 

 

Rebuilding of sections of the external castle walls, including crenellations.

 

 

 

 

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