Botanic Place

Setting the Scene: Delivering Botanic Place

Botanic Place is a landmark 500,000 ft² commercial office development in the centre of Cambridge, adjacent to the Cambridge Botanic Gardens. The scheme is set to become one of the most sustainable and intelligent workspaces in the city, with aspirations to deliver the highest quality office space outside of London.

The development comprises two new commercial blocks, one five storeys and the other seven storeys, as well as a two-storey deep basement. Another aspect of this site is the retention and protection of the historic Flying Pig pub, a well-known local landmark that is being preserved and upgraded as part of the wider regeneration.

Oliver Connell & Son were appointed by Skanska to deliver the groundworks, substructure, superstructure and several temporary works packages, including our temporary propping. This modular system enabled the basement excavation to progress safely and efficiently.

Engineering Challenges in a City-Centre Site

Constructing a two-storey deep basement within a tightly constrained city-centre environment presented significant technical and logistical challenges. The proximity of retained buildings, adjacent structures, and the Flying Pig pub demanded an engineered temporary works solution that delivered high levels of stiffness and control, while allowing access to construction activities alongside the permanent works.

The basement excavation was a critical driver for the overall programme. The temporary propping scheme directly influenced excavation sequencing, structural pours and future removal operations, requiring a solution that was not only robust but also adaptable throughout all phases of construction.

Early Engagement and Scheme Development

Conquip was chosen early on to work with Oliver Connell & Son and the wider Skanska design team to engineer the propping solution. This early involvement allowed the temporary and permanent works designs to be developed in parallel, ensuring alignment, efficiency and buildability across all stages of the project.

Through detailed design reviews and collaborative planning, the team adjusted the scheme to reduce the overall number of props required while maintaining performance and safety requirements.

“The propping scheme that Conquip have designed is a key driver for the sequencing of our basement construction. In total, we have 44 props to install across the project. It was very important that the scheme was readily installable and that it could carry through to the removal phase at a later date.”

John McInerney | Project Director, Oliver Connell & Son

Careful consideration was given to sequencing, lifting operations, site access, and interfaces with permanent works. Detailed methodologies and lift plans were developed collaboratively, ensuring clarity and consistency before the first props were installed.

The result was a highly efficient propping solution that could be installed smoothly, adapted as required, and ultimately removed without disrupting the permanent structure.

“The early engagement with Conquip and OCS has allowed us to refine the permanent works and temporary works design. This has allowed us to reduce the number of props that are actually required but also ensure that the permanent works installation is not compromised by any temporary works.”

Andy Marsh | Senior Engineer, Skanska

The Value of Early Contractor Involvement

The Botanic Place team has demonstrated the value of early contractor involvement and close collaboration between temporary works specialists and delivery teams. By aligning design, sequencing and site operations from the outset, Conquip and Oliver Connell & Son provided a bespoke propping solution that supported Skanska in meeting the project’s demanding quality, safety and programme objectives.

To learn more about Conquip’s Temporary Works Design and Installation Services, or to discuss your upcoming project, contact our engineering team today.