Co-Op Rainhill – Central Co-Op
Project Scope
The project comprised the construction of a new Central Co-operative retail store on a cleared site within a densely populated residential area, adjacent to a busy main road.
The development included a shell-only building ready for client fit-out, along with associated car parking, external works, and landscaping.
The scope encompassed all primary construction activities including substructure, superstructure, building envelope, and external infrastructure works.
It also included coordination with statutory authorities for incoming services and ensuring the site was prepared for subsequent tenant fit-out by others.
Work Completed
The works included site preparation and groundworks, followed by reinforced concrete foundations and ground slab installation. A structural steel frame was erected to form the primary structure.
The external envelope was completed using brickwork and blockwork, with feature timber boarding and rendered panels, alongside a standing seam metal roof with associated trims, flashings, and guttering. Aluminium-framed double-glazed windows, screens, integral doors, and steel escape doors were installed, with internal blockwork partitions forming the shell layout.
Foul and surface water drainage systems were installed, along with incoming statutory services and associated BWIC. External works comprised car parking construction and hard and soft landscaping.
A variation included works within adjacent residential gardens, where unsafe boundary walls were replaced with new rendered walls, funded by the client as a goodwill gesture.
“The project has presented many challenges, with substantial structures buried below ground, adjacent property unstable walls, sewer connections and possible road closures. Krol Corlett have provided workable solutions to the client for each of these issues, assisting them in maintaining programme and mitigating costs.
Community engagement has been key to the success of the project so far. Wholesale objection to the scheme from the local community could have escalated to problems on site, but strong community engagement and communication from our site team has resulted in strong links and good relationships with locals.”
Overcoming Challenges
The site presented several notable challenges that had to be carefully managed throughout the project.
Development was constrained by tree protection zones on two sides, which limited the available working space and required strict adherence to arboricultural safeguards to prevent damage to existing trees and their root systems.
In addition, the removal of substantial buried structures including an unidentified external swimming pool introduced uncertainty, necessitating thorough investigation, potential redesign, and careful demolition planning.
Furthermore, traffic management posed a significant challenge, as all site access and egress had to be coordinated from Warrington Road while ensuring the safety of pedestrians, particularly due to the proximity of an adjacent school or college.
These factors collectively required careful planning, coordination, and risk mitigation to ensure safe and efficient project delivery.
Community Engagement
