The redevelopment of land at Projects Drive in Rugby will transform a former industrial site into a new residential neighbourhood, delivering 108 affordable homes as part of a wider brownfield regeneration project.
The site lies around two kilometres north-east of Rugby town centre and was previously occupied by an office and engineering facility. It sits between existing residential areas, with the Oxford Canal forming the northern boundary and Projects Drive to the south. While the location is well placed for residential development, its industrial history and surrounding infrastructure meant that a number of environmental considerations needed to be understood at an early stage.
MEC supported the project team during the planning phase by providing a combination of geo-environmental and acoustic technical assessments to help establish whether the site was suitable for residential use and what design measures may be required.
Our Geo-Environmental team carried out a Phase I desk study to review the site’s historical use and environmental setting. The site was previously occupied by electrical engineering works, and the study looked closely at the potential implications of that history for ground conditions and contamination risks.
The assessment reviewed historical mapping, environmental records and geological data to understand the likely presence of Made Ground, potential contaminants such as hydrocarbons and heavy metals, and the influence of features such as the Oxford Canal and nearby drainage infrastructure. The study also considered geotechnical factors including ground conditions, foundation suitability and the potential impact of existing structures and basements on redevelopment.
The findings indicated that while some risks associated with previous industrial use may be present, these are typical of brownfield sites and can be addressed through further ground investigation and appropriate remediation where required. The work also highlighted considerations for foundation design, earthworks and gas protection measures that may need to be incorporated as the scheme progresses.
Alongside the ground assessment, our Acoustics team undertook an environmental sound survey to understand the existing noise environment across the site. Monitoring equipment was installed at locations near Projects Drive and Boughton Road to capture noise levels over an extended period.
Using the measured data, an acoustic model was developed to predict noise levels across the proposed development. This allowed the team to assess the likely acoustic environment for future residents and identify where mitigation may be required. Recommendations were made for façade design, glazing and ventilation specifications where necessary, ensuring that the development can meet the relevant internal and external noise guidance for residential properties.
The assessments provided a clear understanding of the environmental and technical considerations associated with redeveloping the former industrial site, helping to inform the planning process and shape the emerging design.
With the necessary environmental and ground-related constraints understood and managed through appropriate design and investigation, the scheme has progressed as part of a wider regeneration initiative for the area.
The development will now be delivered by Morro Partnerships in partnership with Orbit and Homes England, bringing forward 108 affordable homes on the Projects Drive site. Once complete, the homes will provide a mix of social rent and shared ownership properties, supporting the delivery of much-needed housing while making effective use of previously developed land.
For further information about our services, please click here.
back