On a disused plot in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, with ground conditions susceptible to flooding, Shanco was appointed to deliver the first-phase groundworks to prepare the site for a modern 66-bedroom care home development. Once complete, the scheme aims to create over 50 employment opportunities for the local area.
This project, the value of which was £700k, is a great example of Shanco’s approach: careful planning, clear coordination, and delivery you can rely on; Especially when the site conditions demand smart solutions and programme protection.
The Challenges
The key priority was creating a stable, build-ready platform in an area where rising water levels from a nearby dyke could quickly affect working conditions. With the added risk of adverse weather, the project needed a groundworks partner that could think ahead, respond quickly, and keep progress moving safely, without disrupting other trades on site.
What Shanco Delivered
To mitigate flooding risk and support the build programme, Shanco completed a reduced-level dig and used excess material to form a bund around the site, helping protect working conditions against rising water. We then arranged and coordinated CBR testing to confirm ground strength and inform the next phase of works.
To create a reliable working platform for following operations, we raised site levels by over 1 metre using clean stone, a practical choice that allows any excess water to filter away, reducing the risk of standing water and helping maintain programme certainty.
From there, Shanco installed 231 steel piles, driving and preparing them to the correct cut-off level. These piles formed the foundation for 730 linear metres of reinforced ground beams, along with a lift pit and crane base. For formwork, we utilised Pecafil as a versatile and economical alternative to traditional timber formwork, supporting efficient delivery without compromising quality.
Coordinated Delivery, Minimal Disruption
With multiple subcontractors working across the project (including teams installing a state-of-the-art heating system) site coordination was essential. Through extensive planning and daily coordination meetings, Shanco worked collaboratively alongside other trades to deliver key activities smoothly.
This enabled us to complete:
- Two concrete pump visits totalling 165m³ of C40 concrete
- Installation of an attenuation tank
- Internal and external drainage
All while maintaining a safe and organised working environment, and without disrupting the progress of other subcontractors.
Client Feedback
”I have recently worked in partnership with Shanco Contracts, who have provided the first phase groundworks for a new build care home, in Grimsby. Having run sites for over 30 years now, it has been great to work with a professional team, who are courteous, knowledgeable, well organised and above all get the job done. Lee Johnson the Site Supervisor was outstanding, I would have no hesitation in recommending Shanco.”
Robert – Site Manager
The Outcome
Despite challenging ground conditions and weather risk, Shanco successfully transformed the site into a stable, raised, build-ready platform, enabling the next phases of construction to proceed with confidence. The project reflects Shanco’s ability to deliver high-standard enabling and groundworks packages through proactive planning, strong site leadership, and a partnership approach that keeps the wider project team moving.
