Planning enabling works for complex sites
When it comes to large-scale construction or redevelopment, the groundwork starts long before the first foundation is poured. For complex or constrained sites, a carefully sequenced and well-managed enabling works package can make or break the success of the project.
But what exactly are enabling works - and how should they be approached when your site is anything but simple?
What are Enabling Works?
Enabling works are the preparatory steps that make a site safe, accessible, and ready for construction. This might include:
Site clearance and vegetation removal
Demolition of existing structures
Utility surveys and diversions
Temporary roads and access points
Hoarding, fencing, and security
Tree protection and ecological mitigation
Ground remediation or decontamination
On a straightforward greenfield site, this can be relatively quick. But on tight urban sites, brownfield land, or live environments, it becomes a complex sequence of risks, regulations, and logistics.
Common challenges on complex sites
Enabling works must account for:
Unknown underground conditions - live services, UXO, contamination
Restricted access - particularly in urban or operational environments
Stakeholder coordination - including local authorities, network providers, and neighbouring properties
Ecology and environment - such as protected species, root zones, or flood risk
Safety and compliance - CDM regulations, temporary works design, and welfare provisions
On these sites, assumptions can be costly. It’s not uncommon to see delays caused by poor surveys, service strikes, or planning conflicts that could have been avoided with the right upfront planning.
Planning for success: What to prioritise
At Churngold, we recommend taking a phased, structured approach when planning enabling works on complex sites:
1. Start early with specialist advice
Bring in an enabling works contractor during the pre-construction phase. We regularly work with clients and consultants to review site constraints and provide buildability advice.
2. Front-load the surveys
Commission detailed topographical, GPR, utilities, and UXO surveys as early as possible. Missing data here leads to compounding risk.
3. Map out the sequence
Create a programme that layers in surveys, ecology, site access, demolition, and temporary works. Look for dependencies and lead times.
4. Establish clear site rules
From traffic management to security protocols, clarity from day one avoids confusion and safety risks.
5. Plan for unknowns
Even the best surveys won’t catch everything. Build in allowances for discoveries like redundant tanks, buried asbestos, or services not on plans.
Case Study: University of Bristol, Temple Quarter Campus
Churngold delivered the enabling works for the University of Bristol’s landmark Temple Quarter campus. The site, positioned in a live city-centre environment, presented significant logistical and environmental challenges. By carefully managing the early phases - site clearance, utility works, and preparatory earthworks - Churngold enabled the successful progression into the main construction phase.
This early involvement laid the groundwork for Churngold to be awarded the subsequent groundworks package, demonstrating how trusted delivery of enabling works can open the door to future project phases.
Tools to help you plan
We’re currently developing a Pre-Construction Pack designed to help planners and project leads structure their enabling works approach. It includes:
A ready-to-use site prep checklist
Cost-impact risk flags
Sequencing template
Contractor engagement timeline
Let’s Talk
If you’re facing a challenging site or need enabling works support, our Enabling Works team can help you de-risk, sequence, and deliver. Or contact us to book a planning consultation.