Work set to start at Rounds Gardens site

Rugby Borough Council has appointed Manchester-based company O'Gara to dismantle the three tower blocks - Ashwood Court, Beechwood Court and Royal Court - and maisonettes at the site off Oliver Street.

The deconstruction and site clearance looks set to take a year to complete, with O'Gara first securing the site before erecting full-height scaffold towers at each high-rise block, complete with flame-retardant covers to reduce noise and dust.

The firm intends to use further dust reduction measures throughout the deconstruction process, with the tower blocks taken down floor by floor.

The council's prior approval application for the deconstruction project also includes restrictions to on-site working hours to minimise disruption to nearby residents.

Cllr Emma Crane, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities, homes, digital and communications, said: "This work marks a significant step in the council's plans to transform the Rounds Gardens site and build modern council homes for our residents.

"In O'Gara, we have appointed one of the country's leading specialists in its field, expertise which was evident throughout the deconstruction and clearance of the Biart Place site.

"The work at Rounds Gardens inevitably involves a degree of dust and noise, but O'Gara's working practices and the measures included in the council's demolition prior approval application mean both can be kept to a minimum to avoid inconvenience to residents."

Councillors approved plans to clear the Rounds Gardens site in February 2019 after structural surveys revealed the tower blocks were beyond economic repair.

The council has started to evaluate options for the development of the site and intends to launch a public consultation before submitting a planning application.

For more information about the work at Rounds Gardens, visit www.rugby.gov.uk/rounds