A book using the Combe Down Stone Mines Project as a blueprint for the way in which major construction projects could be successfully carried out in the future was launched at the House of Commons this week, in an event hosted by the Rt Hon Don Foster MP for Bath.
High profile names in the construction industry, such as Paul Morrell – Government Chief Construction Advisor – attended the launch along with representatives from the Council, former Government Ministers, and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
The £154 million underground stabilisation project took 10 years to complete and is viewed by industry experts as a model of how to work with a community, demonstrating exceptional political and Council leadership whilst maintaining an exemplary health and safety record.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Council, attended the event. He said, “This major project was one of the most complex ever undertaken by Bath & North East Somerset Council. Because of our approach to procurement, teamwork with national agencies, and risk management it is also one of the most successful projects of its type nationwide. We are pleased that the example is being used as an exemplar in the Best Practice book for similar projects potentially across the globe.
“The expertise and experience that the Council has gained will be applied to future major projects as we embark upon developing the Bath City Riverside Enterprise Area and promote the ‘City of Ideas’ concept, as well as the exciting new developments taking place in Keynsham and the Somer Valley.”
Tony Foster, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Mines, spoke about how some of the miners involved in the Combe Down project were part of the tragic incident at Gleison Colliery where Charles Breslin, who previously worked on the project, was killed.
Paul Morrell commented on the benefits of re-stating many of the fundamental principles contained within the book. He believed that the benefits of the book to the industry are ever-more heightened as the country brings forward a series of construction projects within the UK to resolve housing shortages, infrastructure deficits and the need to encourage the development industry to provide suitable premises for business.
