Royd Edge Mills is a development of 30 new homes, ranging from two-bed apartments to five-bedroom detached houses.
The site, with origins dating back to the late 1830s, was initially established as a mill that utilised water from Royd Edge Moor, specifically drawn from Thick Hollins Dyke. Over the years, it enjoyed a vibrant period as a dyeworks, passing through various owners. However, following a long and industrious history, the site eventually fell into neglect, leading to the demolition of its buildings.
This industrial legacy resulted in a complex landscape, marked by remnants of building foundations, areas of quarrying, and a network of watercourses. Several below ground level structures, such as basements and old wheelhouses, former engine rooms and below ground level chimneys, had to be excavated as well as the need to work around steep bedrock.
Dudleys was brought in on the project as an engineering specialist, providing expert advice on all below ground works, above ground works and full drainage for both plot and mains connections. It also delivered structural designs for all houses and apartments.
Dudleys recommended a new strategy for site levelling with varying foundation solutions designed for shallow trench, deep trench and pile that would also allow connection to existing adopted drainage and also handle surface water drainage. These plans delivered additional value with the provision of increased garden space and enhanced natural landscaping throughout the development for residents to enjoy.
To support this vision, the delivery team implemented an approach to cut back a former mill pond, removing the risk of leaks and eliminated the need for a significantly high retaining wall. This allowed for a more visually appealing and practical solution.
Andy Walker, managing director at Dudleys Consulting Engineers, said, 鈥淭he site's previous industrial use presented significant challenges and required careful management of flood risks associated with the neighbouring mill pond. Rather than opting for the straightforward solution of constructing a retaining wall, we took a more innovative approach.
鈥淏y considering the broader impacts of our engineering decisions, we delivered a solution that not only enhanced the site鈥檚 visual appeal but also minimised off-site material waste and increased the saleable value for the developer.
鈥淭his was achieved through strategic reconfiguration of the landscape and the relocation of the mill pond. In addition, new woodland walkways were created, allowing the development to better integrate with the surrounding natural environment and providing future residents with easier site maintenance.鈥�
Adam Howarth of Royd Edge Mill Developments Ltd said, 鈥淭hrough its involvement, Dudleys has ensured that the sites鈥� engineering challenges were addressed efficiently in terms of both cost and time. The development has shown that a historic brown field site can be developed sympathetically to enhance the local area and deliver value for the local community.
鈥淒udleys is an integral part of the design process, working closely with the rest of the team to assist in this sympathetic development.鈥�
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