Re:Generation Edition 01
London’s skyline Re:Imagining
Welcome to this inaugural issue of RE:GENERATION, our new magazine exploring the evolving world of demolition.
Contents RE: Imagining London’s skyline Foreword by George Stainton 03
2022 was a good year for General Demolition. Major projects included the £3 million+ strip out of the Debenhams flagship store on Oxford Street, as well as the iconic Grade II listed Arding & Hobbs and former Debenham’s store in Clapham. Rest assured, we weren’t just to be found on the high street, other successful schemes included the ARUP’S fromer Office’s on Fitzroy Street and the take-down of Victorian warehouses in Glengall Road. (With façades and the 150ft chimney at the center of the complex staying very much in position.) The meticulous planning of the project coupled with great communication and collaboration meant that the project team succesfully mitigated the possible impacts of an unmarked gas station close to site. This allowed the project to go on with minimum disruption. With more than four decades of experience behind us, General Demolition is acknowledged as a leader in its field, combining deep understanding of how things must be done, with an eagerness to embrace innovation. This is being recognised, and why we find ourseleves in competitive tenders against some of the leading companies in the industry.
We continue to strengthen our team, responding to whatever our customer’s needs are and investing in our brand. This appears to be working. When dodging the downpours recently in a taxi, I was asked what industry I was in by the cab driver – his immediate response was ‘Not General Demolition I Suppose?!.’ I found this quite heartening given our efforts and presence in central London (I did think afterwards it was likely a crane lift that may have caught his eye!).
The year ahead
What to expect in 2023? For General Demolition we continue to invest in people, skills, equipment and technology. Whether it be façade retention, temporary works or shoring, when it comes to demolition and strip out contracts in London and its surrounding areas. You should give us a call for some friendly advice. We are always happy to help wherever we can. We can tackle the most complex projects and have a proven track record for delivering what we promise. For us it’s all about building strong trusting relationships with likeminded partners. London’s skyline is changing, and we aim to be a part of that transition, bringing in a new level of professional standards to the industry. We believe wholeheartedly in our mission – we are here to ‘enable the future – and
All for the love of a jaguar An interview with Colin McLoughlin
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10 tips for effective Health & Safety
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New demolition and recycling equipment at Bauma 2022
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Do we even need to demolish?
There is still much work that the industry can do to improve sustainability. The trend not to demolish, but to reuse the existing stock of properties, continues to grow. I remain perplexed when many of the buildings that have formed the fabric or our local communities are needlessly knocked down. We support stripping out buildings and ‘cut and carving’ them ready to start their new lives – in many cases with reduced carbon footprints. Not all buildings can (or should) be saved: we need to strike a balance between nostalga, sustainability and pragmatism.
Latest demolition market predicts long term growth
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Focus on sustainability: the plug-in electric compressors
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Demoliton throwback: The original Waterloo Bridge
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accelerate the change to sustainable demolition.’
I hope you enjoy reading this issue.
George Stainton Managing Director
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www.general-demoliton.co.uk
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