Project Background and Objectives
McDonald’s Longwell Green at Aspects Leisure Park required widening of its drive-through lane to improve traffic flow and customer capacity. The works formed part of a wider redevelopment programme led by Mark James Complete Building Services.
The objective was to install a permanent retaining solution to support re-profiled levels and new hardstanding, while maintaining programme, protecting live services, and operating safely within an active retail environment.
Project Scope and SPI Involvement
SPI Piling Ltd was appointed under Order MJ-2841 to undertake the supply and installation of a steel sheet piled retaining wall.
The scope comprised:
- Installation of 53nr GU23N steel sheet piles at 5.5m length
- Maximum retained height of 1.775m
- Pre-augering along the pile line
- Installation using a 35t sidegrip rig with Movax hammer
- Impact driving where required
- Installation of a folded steel capping beam
Works were sequenced within the main contractor’s programme, with sheet piling scheduled ahead of drainage and surfacing works.
Methodology and Execution
Operations were undertaken using a Kobelco SK350 excavator configured with:
- Augertorque 65k dangle drill for pre-augering
- Movax sidegrip hammer for primary installation
- BSP DX25 impact hammer where toe levels required trimming
Pre-augering was carried out at clutch positions to reduce ground resistance and control vibration. Piles were pitched and driven progressively, with verticality checks throughout.
Five live services crossing the pile line were exposed and protected prior to installation. Piles spanning services were clutch-welded before release to eliminate drop risk.
Platform loadings and lift planning were undertaken in accordance with BRE 470 guidance, ensuring safe working pressures were maintained.
Safety, Quality & Risk Management
All works were executed under a detailed Operational Method Statement and project-specific Lift Plan.
Key controls included:
- Permit to Break Ground and Hot Works Permits
- Service exposure and protection prior to piling
- Daily plant inspections and certified lifting accessories
- Segregation from public areas within the live restaurant environment
Quality was controlled through:
- Continuous verticality monitoring
- Installation records and blow counts (where impact driving used)
- Compliance with Specification for Highway Works requirements for embedded retaining walls
Challenges & Adaptive Collaboration
Working adjacent to an operational restaurant required careful coordination of deliveries, restricted working zones, and protection of customers and glazing.
The presence of multiple live services across the pile alignment required collaborative planning between SPI and the principal contractor to safely expose, protect and bridge services without programme impact.
Flexible plant configuration (vibro and impact options) ensured installation could proceed efficiently despite variable ground conditions.
Outcomes & Value Delivered
SPI completed the sheet piling works in accordance with the agreed programme window, enabling subsequent drainage, kerbing and surfacing trades to proceed without delay.
The installed wall provided a robust permanent solution supporting widened drive-through infrastructure, delivered safely, on time and to specification.
Lessons Learned & Strategic Strengths
- Early service coordination is critical in confined commercial sites.
- Flexible methodology (pre-auger + vibro + impact contingency) mitigates ground risk.
- Detailed lift planning and platform verification prevent operational downtime.
SPI demonstrated:
- Strong integration with principal contractor teams
- Proactive risk management
- Technical capability in embedded retaining wall solutions
Summary
The McDonald’s Longwell Green Drive-Through Extension demonstrates SPI Piling Ltd’s ability to deliver technically controlled sheet pile retaining structures within live commercial environments.
Through disciplined planning, safe execution, and collaborative coordination, SPI delivered a compliant, programme-aligned retaining solution that enabled the wider redevelopment to progress successfully reinforcing SPI’s position as a reliable partner for future retail and infrastructure works.
