HIR Ltd was appointed by Welbro to undertake a programme of demolition, machinery removal and groundworks at the former RAF site in Wroughton, Swindon, now known as the Science & Innovation Park. The works, carried out between August and October 2025, involved the demolition of four concrete outbuildings, removal of approximately 20 tonnes of steel doors and dismantling of redundant machinery. HIR also completed ground preparation, tarmac surfacing and drainage improvements, supporting the wider redevelopment of the historic site.
Project Case Study | Commercial Demolition, Groundworks, Drainage & Tarmac Surfacing
Project overview
Client: Welbro
Location: Science & Innovation Park, Wroughton, Swindon
Project dates: August 2025 – October 2025
Services: Demolition, machinery removal, groundworks, drainage improvements and tarmac surfacing
Project Overview
HIR Ltd was appointed by Welbro to carry out a programme of demolition, groundworks and associated site improvement works at the former RAF site in Wroughton, Swindon, now known as the Science & Innovation Park.
The historic aircraft hangars, which previously housed RAF aircraft, are undergoing restoration and redevelopment for museum and heritage use. As part of this wider transformation, a number of existing structures, redundant equipment and external areas required attention.
Working across several phases between August and October 2025, HIR provided a multi-skilled team to undertake the required demolition, removal, ground preparation, surfacing and drainage works.
The project involved a varied scope of activities, with HIR returning to site as different stages of the redevelopment progressed.
The Project Requirements
The works required more than simply removing redundant structures. Several areas needed to be cleared, prepared and improved to support the ongoing redevelopment of the site.
HIR was responsible for a combination of demolition, machinery and steel removal, ground preparation, tarmac installation and drainage improvements.
Coordinating these different activities meant providing a flexible service that could respond to the requirements of each project phase.
Scope of Works
HIR Ltd undertook the following works at the Science & Innovation Park:
Demolition of Four Concrete Outbuildings
Demolition and removal of four existing concrete outbuildings, clearing the structures to allow the affected areas to be prepared for the next stage of redevelopment.
Machinery Dismantling & Removal
Dismantling and removal of redundant machinery and equipment from the site.
Removal of Approximately 20 Tonnes of Steel Doors
Removal and disposal of approximately 20 tonnes of heavy steel doors, forming a significant part of the site’s clearance requirements.
Ground Preparation & Levelling
Following demolition and removal works, HIR carried out clearance, ground preparation and levelling to leave the affected areas ready for resurfacing.
Tarmac Surfacing
A dedicated team was deployed to complete the tarmac installation, providing a clean and durable surface across the prepared areas.
Drainage Improvements
HIR returned to site to undertake further drainage improvements and associated groundworks as the wider redevelopment progressed.
Finishing & Making Good
Additional finishing works were completed to leave the affected areas safe, functional and ready for the next stage of work.
Project Delivery
One of the defining aspects of this project was the variety of work required across different phases.
Rather than involving a single demolition or clearance operation, the programme required HIR to undertake several connected activities over a number of months.
Following the demolition of the concrete outbuildings and removal of redundant equipment, attention moved to preparing the affected areas for their next use. Ground preparation and levelling were followed by tarmac surfacing, with further drainage improvements carried out during subsequent visits.
By providing demolition, removal, groundworks, drainage and surfacing through one contractor, HIR helped maintain continuity between the different stages of the work.
This flexible approach allowed the team to support the wider redevelopment programme as site requirements developed.
Project Outcome
HIR successfully completed multiple phases of work at the former RAF site, supporting its transformation into the Science & Innovation Park.
The removal of four concrete outbuildings, dismantling of redundant machinery, disposal of approximately 20 tonnes of steel doors, ground preparation, tarmac surfacing and drainage improvements all contributed to preparing the site for its next stage of redevelopment.
The project demonstrates HIR Ltd’s ability to undertake a broad range of commercial demolition and groundworks services within a single, multi-phase project.
Project Gallery
A Multi-Service Approach to Commercial Redevelopment
Commercial and industrial redevelopment projects often involve several different types of work, from removing existing structures and equipment to preparing external areas for their future use.
The Swindon project demonstrates how HIR Ltd can bring together demolition, machinery removal, groundworks, drainage and surfacing to support these requirements.
Whether a project involves the demolition of redundant structures, the removal of heavy equipment or the preparation of commercial and industrial sites for redevelopment, HIR provides practical contracting support tailored to the work involved.
Planning a commercial demolition, groundworks or site redevelopment project?
Contact HIR Ltd to discuss your requirements.
Telephone: 0208 166 1221
Email: info@hirltd.co.uk
Website: https://hirltd.co.uk/
