Contractor McLaren has appointed Roger Bullivant Limited (RBL) to deliver the piling works for the new Boxing Academy and school development in Hackney, East London.

This high-profile project, a 56-student secondary school in Clapton serving 12 to 16-year-olds who need an alternative to mainstream education, will transform an unfinished sports facility into a state-of-the-art education and sports facility. 

Mobilisation is already underway, with piling works due to begin in early July. RBL will install continuous displacement auger (CDA) piles to depths of approximately 13–14m. This option was selected for its cost-effectiveness and suitability to the site's ground conditions, which include made ground, Hackney Gravel, and London Clay from 4.5m below ground level.

The CDA method, developed by RBL's in-house research and development team, is a cast-in-situ displacement piling solution designed as a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piles.

CDA piles are straight-shafted bored displacement piles that deliver enhanced load-bearing capacity while generating minimal spoil, reducing environmental impact and the need for off-site waste removal. Their ability to perform in a variety of soil types, including stiff clays and loose granular soils, makes them ideal for urban projects with moderate load requirements.

This project is considered a flagship for RBL, not only due to the prestigious client and central London location, but also because it exemplifies the company's strategic focus on non-residential developments and our ability to deliver sustainable solutions in complex urban environments.

"We're proud to be supporting McLaren on this landmark education and sports facility in Hackney," Ben Gough, regional operations manager at RBL, said. "This project reflects our growing presence in the non-residential sector, where we continue to demonstrate our capability in delivering efficient, tailored piling solutions for high-impact community developments."