Innovation and improvement

Morgan Est is the UK’s leading tunnelling design and delivery company. It is the only UK contractor with in-house design capabilities for underground structures and the ability to manufacture pre-cast tunnel linings.

Innovative technologies were utilised during the recent redevelopment of King’s Cross underground station. The use of both sprayed concrete linings and a permanent spheroid graphite iron ring, an unusual aspect of the project, demonstrated Morgan Est’s skill and experience. Complex tunnel geometries, which included the provision of escalators, overbridges, walkways and new mobility impaired passenger lifts, formed part of the design. All this had to be achieved within the limited confines of the existing tunnel infrastructure. Real-time monitoring of surface settlement and ground movement was carried out to ensure that no damage was caused to surrounding tunnels or buildings.

Part of the Group’s continued success lies in the implementation of its core values, one of which is to challenge the status quo. This was evident when Morgan Ashurst’s project team was able to reduce construction costs by £2m for the University of Manchester on the new Michael Smith Building. Designed as a centre for teaching and advanced research, the layout needed to be flexible and
future-proof. Not only was Morgan Ashurst able to deliver the building to its original high specification, it also incorporated novel maintenance features which will ensure that the building can be adapted as the demands for education in science evolve.

Muse has helped to challenge established thinking on inner city rental values, as part of its involvement in the £150m development of St Paul’s Square in Liverpool. Regeneration projects are usually designed to match the rents that have historically been achievable in the area. However, as a partner in the English Cities Fund joint venture, Muse helped to deliver high quality commercial offices, apartments, retail space and a restaurant, all capable of returning greatly improved rental values. The result is a revitalised business district setting new standards of design and quality for the city.