‘Geotechnical engineers are key players in ensuring brownfield projects move forward’

In recent weeks, the conversation around brownfield reclamation and development has taken an intriguing turn, particularly for those of us with a presence in the North of England. Coinciding with the opening of our new office in Leeds, we’ve noticed changing attitudes towards land reuse, sustainable development, and the critical role geotechnical expertise plays in unlocking the potential of often overlooked sites.

It’s clear that a focus on the North brings with it a distinct set of challenges. Unlike the cleaner “greenfield” sites more commonly found in the South, the North is home to many brownfield areas long considered too difficult or risky to develop. These are the sites that require a more nuanced approach – one that doesn’t shy away from the complexities beneath the surface but embraces them with the expertise to manage these risks.

Recent discussions, particularly with local authorities and developers, have brought renewed optimism. Labour’s apparent re-evaluation of grants, the result of further devolution and funding first policy for brownfield development, is particularly significant. For many in the construction sector, this is welcome news, especially as funds thought to have lapsed at the end of the last financial year could soon be made available again. The shift towards giving more power to local councils and mayors could release further funding, providing a much-needed boost to brownfield reclamation projects, especially those tied to residential housing, with Labour adopting a “brownfield first” policy in its development strategy.

Unlocking development potential

While the potential for unlocking new sites is encouraging, the scale of the impact remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that this renewed funding could mark a significant change for sustainable development, especially for sites previously deemed too risky or costly to develop. For many northern areas, these grants could help bring forward projects that have been on the back burner for too long.

But with opportunity comes complexity, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of brownfield reclamation. The North is home to some of the most onerous brownfield sites in the UK. These sites present not only technical challenges but also significant environmental and financial risks. Developing these areas isn’t as straightforward as many might hope, and this is where geotechnical engineers become a valuable part of the equation.

Early geotechnical involvement

All too often, geotechnical expertise is brought in after key decisions have already been made, when a full understanding of the ground risks before the confirmation of project scope could have dramatically altered the course of a scheme. This is especially true in northern brownfield developments, where the history of heavy industry has left behind a legacy of complex and hazardous conditions.

Geotechnical engineers play a critical role in risk management, ensuring that both developers and local authorities are fully aware of the potential ground risks at play. By understanding these risks early in a project’s lifecycle, they can prevent costly overruns and offer significant life cycle cost savings. Geotechnical engineers understand the cost implications of conducting investigations and design works at the early stage of a project, but the results of such early involvement can lead to significant life cycle savings and frequently minimise the impact of delays to the construction programme later in the project life cycle.

Challenges

One of the key challenges often overlooked in development is communication. A lack of clear, transparent communication between developers, local authorities and engineering teams can lead to risks being missed or misunderstood. This is particularly important when dealing with the ground risks brownfield sites often pose. Whether it’s contamination, unstable ground or hidden features like old mineshafts or substantial thicknesses of uncontrolled fill, understanding and managing these risks early is vital.

In addition to communication, robust risk management strategies are essential for any brownfield development to succeed. Developers must take a proactive approach, ensuring they not only identify potential ground risks but also develop strategies to mitigate these risks before they become costly problems.

Brownfield vs greenfield

It’s easy to assume that brownfield sites are inherently riskier than greenfield sites, but that’s not always the case. Clean, green sites can carry risks too – risks that often go unnoticed until it’s too late, impacting the programme and causing costly delays. The temptation to see greenfield sites as “problem free” can lead to missed issues. This is especially true in large-scale land sales, where site investigations are sometimes rushed or incomplete and a trained eye has not looked at natural risks such as sloping sites or geohazards such as dissolution features or soft compressible deposits that can affect the serviceability of structures.

Geotechnical engineers play a key role in ensuring these risks - whether on brownfield or greenfield sites – are thoroughly assessed before any development takes place. By doing so, they help developers avoid costly surprises that can derail even the best-planned projects.

Future of brownfield reclamation

The opportunities for brownfield reclamation in the North look promising. The prospect of additional funding and grants could help unlock sites long left undeveloped, paving the way for more housing and sustainable development.

But as always, with opportunity comes responsibility. Geotechnical engineers will be key players in ensuring these projects not only move forward but do so safely, sustainably and cost-effectively. Their early involvement, combined with strong communication and risk management strategies, can make the difference between a project’s success or failure.

As the North continues to develop and possibly even receive preferential funding allocations, it’s crucial that the industry recognises the value of geotechnical expertise – not just as a box-ticking exercise but as a core element of any successful development project. In fact, the North West, North East and Yorkshire regions are bucking the trend, showing positive growth compared to the rest of the country and presenting many opportunities. By working together, developers, local authorities and engineers can help unlock the potential of some of the UK’s most challenging yet rewarding sites.

In this regard, the North will be a testament to the importance of tackling brownfield reclamation head-on and with the right expertise leading the way. The future of northern development looks bright, but only if we’re prepared to dig deep – both lit