Irrigation main
During the tender stage, it was identified that the irrigation main was likely located within the verge adjacent to the service track. Upon mobilisation, trial holes were excavated at 50m intervals to confirm its position. To mitigate potential damage and operational disruption, the main was accurately mapped and clearly marked, ensuring construction traffic avoided loading in this area.
The piling rig required a 4m offset from the reservoir edge, significantly reducing available working space. To maintain efficiency and minimise standing time, piling mats were installed along the full length of the works during
mobilisation to ensure lean construction. This mitigated standing time and delivered the works as programmed, during tender.
Outfall Drain
An existing outfall drain was identified in conflict with the proposed sheet pile alignment. To prevent water accumulation and pressure build-up behind the new piles, the contractor reinstated the outfall drain. This additional scope was completed without impact on the overall programme. Due to the winter works, and to avoid impact on the racecourse programmes, tar and chip laying was necessary during winter. Collaborative meetings with the client were held to discuss the risks of surfacing when temperatures were below 5°. To maintain quality, surfacing was completed at the end of the works programme when temperatures were higher.
Temporary works
Working at the reservoir edge risked operative safety. To overcome this, a floating pontoon with edge protection and 2nr life rings were fixed in place on the reservoir next to the path edge. Toolbox Talks were delivered to operatives along with full briefs of risk assessments and method statements. Replacement trees were positioned east of the lake, preserving sightlines and safeguarding biodiversity.
The point of works was only accessible by crossing the racecourse which risked disruption to planned races and the course structure. The start on site was planned for after the last race meet. During tender, allowance was made to reconstruct the concrete crossing point over the racecourse.
Access
However, the temporary crossing protection and barriers installed at the start of the works, mitigated the need to reinstate, providing a cost savings for the client. At the end of the project the service track used was refurbished, as an alternative access.
The works risked silt entering the watercourse downstream affecting water quality. To provide assurance, a Silt Management Plan defining how the risk would be managed was defined and issued to the client for review and acceptance. A closed cell polyethylene foam silt curtain was installed and ballasted with a galvanised chain to reduce turbidity.
Unchartered services & Public safety
Eric Wright's HSG47 aligned safe dig process meant successfully identifying an unchartered BT cable running through the spillway. The cable was marked out on the ground, risk assessments were updated and the dig level reduced to mitigate service strike.
The park is very popular with visitors. To ensure their safety, Wonderwall Barriers were installed which each weigh 21.3kg and feature built-in ballast for protection against high winds. This effectively kept the public safely segregated from construction activities.
Ecology & Stakeholders
Replacement trees were contained within the area to the east of the lake and did not impact sightlines. This safeguarded biodiversity and ecology.
To avoid miscommunication, weekly meetings were held with the client and their groundskeeper, ensuring they were well informed about daily construction activities. Eric Wright liaised with Park Run and Pontefract Collieries Santa Dash to help them compile their risk assessments. This maintained safe passage through the park, ensuring the events were held safely as planned.
Local resource
As part of our corporate social responsibility and our commitment to local employment, opportunities to work with Eric Wright were posted on YORtender. This led to a relationship with new supplier NT Killingley who provided labour, plant, and equipment for soft landscaping works. Additionally, the surfacing works were completed by local suppliers Frank Tucker Ltd (Barnsley) and Windser Road Services (Selby). Education Collaborative working with Arcadis upskilled their graduate engineer and provided relevant site experience. A ‘one team’ approach was adopted, sharing programme and planning processes, safe systems of work and site management principles.
Handover
To ensure accuracy of documentation Eric Wright prepared the As-Builts and operation and maintenance manual, as the work progressed. Work was completed over 15 weeks in March 2025.
Eric Wright was highly commended for the work at Pontefract Park in the CECA NW annual awards 2025, in the 'Project of the Year up to £1 million' category.
