Location:
Charing Cross Gateway (CXG)
Client:
Sector:
Woolgar Hunter is providing civil, structural and geo-environmental engineering services for the Charing Cross Gateway (CXG) development in Glasgow. The project forms a key part of the city’s wider regeneration vision, transforming a complex brownfield site adjacent to the M8 motorway into a vibrant, high-density urban quarter.
The development is split across two plots on either side of Bath Street: CXG North (the existing Tay House site crossing the M8) and CXG South (the site of the former Elmbank and Venlaw buildings). A detailed retrofirst assessment was undertaken as part of the Planning Permission in Principle submission, ultimately demonstrating the benefits of new build on the CXG South Site, and maintaining a potential for reuse of the existing structures on the CXG North site.
Engineering Excellence
Design on CXG South is progressing through RIBA Stage 3 and demolition works have commenced to clear the existing buildings and suspended courtyard from the site. This includes a bespoke monitoring and temporary works arrangement agreed with Network Rail to ensure safety of the rail line whilst the adjacent building is demolished. The new development makes the site accessible to all users, with a new courtyard providing a level route through the site to the Charing Cross train station, whilst also providing sustainable urban drainage features for the development.
Concrete frame with flat slab construction provides a cost and carbon-efficient superstructure for the two new PBSA blocks. At 26 storeys this provides a valuable reduction in floor-floor heights versus other options, saving on the overall building height. The concrete basement arrangement has also been carefully coordinated with the existing retention to the perimeter of the site to minimise temporary works and accelerate the construction programme.