Friar Gate Case Study
Discover how Midland Rock overcame tight deadlines and site constraints at the historic Friar Gate train station in Derby. Our expert team managed complex cut and fill operations, excavated buried foundations, and formed piling mats—all while coordinating seamlessly with ongoing construction and booked piling contractors.
THORPE PV SOLAR PROJECT
Midland Rock was engaged to deliver comprehensive enabling works for the Thorpe PV solar farm construction project. The scope encompassed 1km of road construction, site preparation across four compounds, vegetation clearance, cut and fill operations, and Section 278 highway works to secure site access and facilitate solar farm construction and ongoing maintenance operations.

Value
£300K+
Programme
10 Weeks
Services
Cut & Fill, Road Boxes and Piling Mats & Material Management
The Challenge
Midland Rock faced a demanding challenge at the historic Friar Gate train station brownfield site in Derby, with a tight timeframe for completion. The project involved cut and fill works to stabilize a large void created by the demolition of the old station. All crushed aggregate was stockpiled within this void. During initial site clearance and cut and fill operations, extensive buried foundations were discovered, requiring excavation before progressing. The site was already congested with active contractors building homes, complicating logistics and timing. The piling and road construction contractors were pre-booked, creating additional pressure to complete groundwork accurately and swiftly.
The Solution
Midland Rock implemented a rapid, phased approach to material distribution and site management using advanced mobile plant and GPS technology. This allowed precise cut and fill shaping without the need for an on-site engineer, expediting progress and minimizing disruptions. Active quality assurance programs demonstrated exceptional workmanship throughout the project. All obstacles were swiftly removed, and the road boxes and piling mat were formed to the highest standards. Innovative handling of site-won materials eliminated the need for off-site removal, resulting in cost savings, sustainability benefits, and seamless coordination with multiple contractors.
Project Outcome
Midland Rock successfully delivered the cut and fill works on schedule, meeting strict quality, safety, and environmental standards. The piling mat provided a stable foundation enabling rapid progress of piling and subsequent road construction. Effective planning and use of technology ensured minimal impact on other ongoing works, showcasing Midland Rock’s capability to tackle complex, constrained urban brownfield projects with precision and professionalism.
Our Services
We offer a wide range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the construction and civil engineering industries:
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Similar project in mind?
We are always open to discussing new opportunities and projects within the Midlands or further afield. Our team is here to provide expert guidance and high-quality services tailored to your specific needs. For more information about our services or to discuss your project requirements, please contact us today.























