Noise Controlled Effectively During St James Park Ground Development

Project Overview

Exeter City Football Club is in the process of redeveloping their St James Park ground with a new spectator stand, and a student housing scheme on adjoining land behind the grandstand (known locally as the ‘Big Bank’). With this major new initiative, the Club plans to significantly improve the its spectator facilities, and develop up to 336 purpose-built student bedrooms and studio apartments.

Challenge

Given that the site is situated in a busy part of Exeter City Centre and is within close proximity to a number of concerned neighbours and residents, the contractors were conscious that it was essential to reduce noise exposure during the works as much as possible.

As a result, each task undertaken on site was thoroughly assessed and working hours were very carefully managed. Reducing the levels of noise generated was particularly important, especially since it was necessary to continue working into the night as well as early in the morning. RVT was therefore asked to provide a noise control solution.

Solution

In order to mitigate the continuous noise created by the operation of generators, jet washers and power floats, RVT’s Soundex Curtains were brought in and installed. These acoustic barriers assisted in the reduction of noise pollution to limit its impact on the neighbouring properties.

The curtains worked well in containing noise levels, which was especially important when the contractors were working during anti-social hours in this residential city centre environment. The noise created during the power floating process proved particularly problematic, so curtains were attached to an over-hanging slab, and therefore provided an effective acoustic enclosure around the floor that was being floated.

"We understood that general construction noise could not be prevented, however, we saw the opportunity to reduce continuous noises we created from the likes of generators, jet washers and power floats. Particularly when power floating, the acoustic barriers assisted in containing noise as work continued into the night and early hours of the morning” - Assistant Site Manager, Kier