“Cognition have been an invaluable partner for us at Meridian Water, playing a crucial role on this transformational project. As a trusted local partner, their commitment to excellence has been instrumental in driving the project forward. We look forward to the successful completion of the works with them”. – Project Director, Taylor Woodrow.

In July 2025, we achieved a major milestone on the project by completing the contamination remediation, below ground obstruction removal and earthworks. This significant element of works included:

• Remediation of soil contamination including hydrocarbons, asbestos, heavy metals, invasive species and radiological contamination using innovative technologies and processes that have allowed for the retention of the vast majority of excavated soils onsite
• Remediation of groundwater contamination including hydrocarbons and VOCs providing long term improvement of region groundwater quality
• Site turnover, remediation and processing of approximately 286,000m³ of soils, an essential step in preparing the land for future development
• Large-scale bulk earthworks and manufacture of 27,000m3 of topsoil/subsoil for the creation of the development platforms and extensive soft landscaping and flood attenuation areas
• Controlled burial of 4,500m3 of invasive species in 7m deep engineered lined cells with full regulatory approval
• Removal of over 10,000 tonnes of fly-tipped waste (81% recovered and diverted from landfill), ensuring the site has been restored to optimal conditions

Other key accomplishments of the project to date include:

• Reuse onsite and offsite of >95% of excavated materials under various regulatory approvals including DoWCoP, Mobile Plant Permit, Waste Recovery Permit, EA Quality Protocols
• Installation of a laminated Geosynthetic Clay Liner in preparation for the new river diversion and naturalisation at Brooks Park
• Removal and demolition of the Salmon’s Bridge over Pymmes Brook using a 750-tonne crane
• Modifications to the existing Pymmes and Salmon’s Brook structure and installation of bridge beams spanning the brooks
• Production of engineered fill materials (6F2, 6N and Type 1) through the processing of site-won demolition arisings
• Installation of a new canal wall capping beam, utilising innovative temporary works solutions to facilitate construction over an active waterway
• Installation of deep drainage foul sewer network

There’s still lots to be done on the Meridian Water SIW project but we are very pleased with what has been achieved to date and excited about the upcoming works. We would like to recognise the hard work and partnering approach to working across the whole Cognition and Taylor Woodrow project team.

Watch out for further updates on site progress!