Project Oak

Working in close collaboration with main contractor Galliford Try and landscape architect Pegasus Group, McCoy delivered a comprehensive package of groundworks and hard landscaping solutions that met the project’s demanding technical, environmental, and heritage requirements.

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The interface between the new structure and the Grade II listed building presented significant challenges. With a small site footprint and the added complexity of being located within a floodplain, McCoy implemented a carefully sequenced logistics strategy to maintain safe access routes and minimise disruption.

McCoy Contractors delivered:

Scope of Works

McCoy’s responsibilities on Project Oak included:

Groundworks and foundations
Concrete slabs, including a uniquely curved structural slab
External drainage and service trenching
Street lighting installation
Hard landscaping, including high‑quality stonework and brickwork

The team’s meticulous approach ensured the new extension complemented the historic Charlton House, which remained fully operational throughout construction.

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Innovative Formwork Geometry

The curved geometry of the new building required an innovative approach to formwork. McCoy adopted a trapeze shutter system in place of traditional methods, reducing material waste and supporting the project’s sustainability objectives while achieving the required precision.

Leadership, Collaboration and Delivery

Strong leadership was central to the project’s success. McCoy’s Project Manager provided clear direction and ensured work delivered consistently met the highest standards of safety, quality and efficiency.

Close collaboration with Galliford Try and the wider design team enabled the project to remain on programme and within budget. This partnership approach was instrumental in overcoming technical challenges and maintaining the integrity of both the new and historic structures.

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Sustainability at the Core

McCoy Contractors embedded sustainability into every stage of its work on Project Oak. Key initiatives included:

Using HVO fuel in excavators to reduce carbon emissions
Selecting FSC‑certified timber for formwork
Recycling stone from the demolished 1950s extension for on‑site level adjustments
Sourcing materials locally to reduce transport impacts
Incorporating recycled aggregates across the works

These measures contributed to the project achieving an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating, reinforcing McCoy’s commitment to responsible construction and long‑term environmental stewardship.

Creating Social Value

Beyond the physical build, McCoy prioritised social value by employing local labour and supporting job creation in the Cheltenham area. This approach aligns with the company’s broader commitment to community investment and corporate social responsibility.

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Outcome

Project Oak showcases McCoy Contractors’ ability to deliver high‑quality, technically demanding work on a constrained and sensitive site. The seamless integration of a contemporary extension with a historic building, combined with innovative construction methods and a strong sustainability ethos, sets McCoy apart as a leader in its field.

The project’s success is a testament to the skill, collaboration, and dedication of the entire McCoy team, qualities that make the company a standout specialist groundwork, earthworks and civil engineering contractor.