Weybridge Innovation Facility

Setting the Scene: Building the Weybridge Innovation Facility

The Weybridge Innovation Facility is a development in Surrey, delivering a state-of-the-art laboratory and office building. The project comprises two main structures: a four-storey innovation building and a three-storey car park.

Appointed by the main contractor Kier, Mitchellson managed the full groundworks and superstructure package, including drainage, attenuation tanks, reinforced concrete works, and associated temporary works.

To support the car park excavation (13 meters deep), Mitchellson partnered with Conquip to design, supply, and install a Proprietary system configured in a bespoke layout for the sheet-piled retaining walls.

Overcoming Challenging Ground Conditions

The Weybridge site presented significant engineering challenges, including steep level changes and a high water table. These conditions demanded careful management of stability and sequencing during excavation.

To retain the sloped excavation efficiently, Conquip provided a proprietary temporary propping system, offering greater flexibility and reduced installation time compared to traditional whaler solutions.

“Part of the difficulty with this project was the slope. It had to be phased as we excavated and introduced new levels of props, rather than one continual process.”
Eddie Mayer | Project Manager, Mitchellson

Precision Engineering: The Propping Installation

Unlike many typical basement propping projects, this installation was completed at ground level to support sheet piles retaining a sloped embankment.

Conquip’s in-house Temporary Works Design Team engineered a bespoke solution based on pile loadings and excavation sequence. And the propping scheme installation was carried out and led by Conquips’ onsite supervisors and engineers, in close collaboration with Mitchellson and Kier.

Installation Sequence:

• Survey and mark out gallows bracket locations.
• Weld in gallows brackets and whaling beams to the design specification.
• Install shear keys and stop fittings to prevent movement.
• Coordinate phased delivery and installation of props with excavation progress.

This phased approach ensured a seamless installation with minimal disruption to other works around the site.

Collaboration and Coordination

Frequent coordination between Kier, Mitchellson and Conquip ensured that temporary works aligned precisely with the construction programme.

From risk assessments and lift planning to design reviews and on-site installation, collaboration was integral to the project’s success. Conquip’s engineering and site teams worked closely with Mitchellson’s in-house temporary works specialists to manage sequencing, safety, and quality throughout.

Results: Safe, Efficient, and Buildable

The Conquip propping system delivered a robust and efficient temporary works solution that supported safe excavation, allowed for works to be carried out around the elevated area of the site and streamlined construction of the car park structure.

Key Benefits:

Efficient installation: Pre-engineered components and clear sequencing simplified on-site operations. Reusable components increase sustainability.

Improved buildability: Modular design enabled phased excavation and installation flexibility.

Proven stability: High stiffness and reliability-maintained excavation integrity across varying levels.

“The temporary works scheme with Conquip was professional, organised and went smoothly… I’d be happy to work with Conquip again.”
Eddie Mayer | Project Manager, Mitchellson

Effective Collaboration

The Weybridge Innovation Facility highlights the value of early engagement and close coordination between contractors and engineering partners.

Through joint planning, tailored design, and disciplined execution, Conquip and Mitchellson delivered a complex temporary works scheme safely and efficiently, supporting Kier to keep the project on programme.

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