Market leadership

A major Scottish infrastructure project, the Kincardine Crossing on the upper Forth, was completed in autumn 2008. The construction of the 1.2km bridge and associated approach roads presented numerous technical challenges, so a business with Morgan Est’s record for delivering high value, complex civil engineering solutions was an obvious choice for the contract.

Environmental considerations played a major part in this project, carried out in joint venture with Vinci. Salt marshes and mudflats on the south bank provide an important habitat for wildlife. To minimise disruption, the bridge was constructed in 45m spans and launched entirely from the north shore. Using incremental launch technology, Morgan Est has delivered the largest push-launched span bridge in the world. The new crossing will transform transport links to the region, encouraging growth in the Scottish economy, as well as relieving congestion in Kincardine village and the surrounding area.

Freeman’s Quay leisure centre, a £13m flagship scheme for Durham Villages Regeneration Company, was completed in July 2008. Chosen by the client for its outstanding performance on a previous project, Morgan Ashurst delivered an eight lane swimming pool, fitness and sports education facility, built to exacting environmental standards.

Natural light and ventilation have been incorporated with solar shade glazing and the use of recycled water to aid pool heating. The energy efficient design and construction is predicted to achieve annual emissions of 620,000kg CO₂, a 38% reduction compared to an identical centre built three years ago.

In the same month, Muse completed the new Northwest region fire control centre. Part of the £200m Lingley Mere joint venture with United Utilities plc, one of eight centres that form the country’s Critical National Infrastructure developed to ensure that essential services are protected against terrorist attacks or other national security threats. The joint venture was publicly praised for its professionalism, being cited as the most compliant and technically competent of all regions in the UK. The project will provide further office space, commercial and leisure facilities totalling 875,000 sq ft within the 100 acre parkland site near Warrington.