Three Sails Point | Ground Investigation

LK Group supported Magenta Living in transforming a heavily contaminated 7.6-hectare brownfield site near the River Mersey into a development opportunity for residential housing.

Solutions Provided

LK Group was appointed to unlock the site through a targeted, data-driven remediation strategy, as these conditions had made the land unfit for development and remediation costs prohibitive.

• Conducted a close-grid intrusive investigation using boreholes, trial pits, handheld XRF analysis, and laboratory testing.
• Created a 3D contamination model to identify high-risk areas.
• Developed a selective remediation plan.
• Worked closely with the Environment Agency and Local Authority to validate the approach and ensure compliance.

Client Benefits

The remediation strategy delivered an £8 million cost saving. By retaining and safely reusing material on site, the approach significantly cut carbon emissions and minimised disruption to the local community. In addition, it protected the River Mersey from potential contamination and restored the project’s financial viability, enabling the successful construction of new homes.

Outcome

The development is now underway, delivering affordable and open-market housing in Widnes. LK Group’s innovative approach demonstrates how complex brownfield sites can be remediated sustainably and cost-effectively — unlocking land, reducing waste, and supporting government housing and regeneration goals.

“LK took a very positive and proactive approach to unlocking this site for housing development. They worked closely with Magenta Living and the Environment Agency to resolve the challenges on this site.”
— Magenta Living