Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) is a transformative infrastructure project in Hertfordshire designed to shift freight from road to rail. The scheme focuses on reducing congestion, cutting carbon emissions and supporting the UK’s Net Zero ambitions, all through the introduction of a rail link with direct connection to the Midland Main Line.

Led by VolkerFitzpatrick, the project includes the successful installation of a 60-metre, 6,000-tonne precast concrete underbridge during a nine-day Network Rail blockade. The works also encompass switches and crossings, signalling systems, and overhead line equipment, all delivered with minimal disruption to passenger activities.

Our team provided specialist engineering and environmental consultancy services for the scheme, seeing us assess the extent and removal of landfill waste beneath the underbridge construction areas alongside subsequent reinstatement of ground levels to create a suitable works platform. The work meets rigorous environmental standards, Network Rail approvals and integrated seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

With each freight train operating from the site removing up to 76 heavy goods vehicle journeys from UK roads, contributing to national decarbonisation goals, and improving air quality, and boosting biodiversity were core project goals. A key highlight is the 600-acre country park, featuring 200 acres of woodland and 400 acres of conservation grazing land, which enhances biodiversity and delivers long-term ecological value. The scheme also incorporates 17 kilometres of footpaths, bridleways, and trails, connecting communities to nature and encouraging active travel.

Beyond its environmental impact, the SRFI focuses on the delivery of meaningful social value through local employment, apprenticeships, and partnerships with educational institutions, investing in the future of the community.

SSE were looking to build a new windfarm to connect two neighbouring windfarms in Torness, Invernesshire. The project, which was entirely engineer led, commenced with a site examination of several factors ranging from proximity to overhead power lines, to topography and landscape visual impact.

Our team undertook a Geotechnical Assessment including an intrusive ground investigation and peat probing, and the information gathered from the ground investigation was then input to AutoCAD Civil 3D where surface models for existing ground, average peat depth, glacial till and rock could be deprived. Value engineering was then designed by performing a cut and fill analysis using the ground investigation data and hence surface strata to set a platform level and access track tie-in. This allowed full reuse of the material on site.

In addition to the work on the substation, public road improvements were required to facilitate construction and safe passage of abnormal load movements during delivery of electrical transformers. Most significantly, the existing B851/B582 junction needed improvements as well as the widening and an increase in length to the B862 along the approach to Torness.

While working on the project, we identified that due to the natural overland flow from the surrounding high ground, the access track position had been intercepted. Therefore, it was necessary to provide appropriate measures to maintain continuity of the water flow. In line with SuDs requirements, our project team designed cut off ditches and cross pipes which allowed the dirty water from the access track to be directed into filter trenches and then into a dispersal system.

Planning approval has been granted for Unite Students’ 6-12 Kennington Lane student living scheme in Kennington, London. The London Borough of Lambeth reached a unanimous decision, allowing Stage 3 works to begin.

The approved plans involve demolition of the existing buildings to create a mixed-use development featuring industrial and community spaces across ground and mezzanine levels, with purpose-built student accommodation above. The scheme will provide 511 high-quality student bedrooms, including 177 affordable (35%) and 26 wheelchair-accessible rooms. Accommodation options are placed in a mix of clusters in varying in sizes with shared kitchens and individual studios. The industrial spaces have the option of being utilised as self-storage or a fulfilment centre, while a new community space will support local groups and service providers.

Unite Students’ 6-12 Kennington Lane student living scheme in Kennington, London, is a mixed-use development featuring industrial and community spaces across ground and mezzanine levels, with purpose-built student accommodation above.

The scheme provides 511 high-quality student bedrooms, including 177 affordable (35%) and 26 wheelchair-accessible rooms. Accommodation options are placed in a mix of clusters varying in size with shared kitchens, together with individual studios. The industrial spaces have the option of being utilised as either self-storage or a fulfilment centre, while a new community space supports local groups and service providers.

The development rises to a maximum of 15 storeys with a drop down to 13 storeys towards Elephant and Castle, and then down to seven storeys to the rear of the building to minimise the visual impact to neighbouring residents. This site is ideally located between Elephant and Castle and Kennington stations which will provide students with excellent transport links.