Three Operational Storage Tanks demolished at Lancaster WwTW

This work has been completed as part of a wider project to increase stormwater storage at the site, and play a key role in enhancing water quality in the nearby River Lune and Morecambe Bay, by reducing the number of times that storm overflows operate in heavy rain. The demolition of the three disused tanks is the first phase of the project, and will clear the area to enable the construction of two new stormwater storage tanks. 

As part of the enabling works at Lancaster, the team worked alongside S Evans & Sons to remove the tanks. To safeguard adjacent critical live assets during demolition, C2V, S Evans & Sons, Andun, and VolkerStevin’s temporary works team worked collaboratively to design a robust temporary works solution. This included a 100m‑long, 7m‑high protective scaffold system, fully sheeted with 18mm plywood.

The demolition methodology required de‑tensioning pier columns to 1.5m above the base, before constructing a stone ramp for excavator access. Once inside each tank, a 25t excavator progressed in a controlled “typewriter” sequence to bring the walls safely down to base level.

Demolition began in late January 2026, with an initial programme of 10 days per tank. The programme was bettered, with all three tanks taken down to base level in just 15 days, delivering a 50% programme improvement.

Following further design review and optioneering, S Evans & Sons were instructed to remove two of the concrete bases, with the final base being retained for re-use and incorporation into the project solution. This phase of work has now been completed, including the crushing of the demolished material to a grade of 6F2 with the intention of the materials being reused for piling and crane pads for construction of the new storage tanks.

A great example of collaborative planning, safe execution, and efficient delivery by all teams involved.