Builder Krol Corlett stays on track with construction of new 4,000 sq ft Liverpool city region Co-op store – despite the unexpected discovery of a 10-metre swimming pool under the site. Tony McDonough reports
Builders are used to overcoming unexpected challenges on building projects but Krol Corlett Construction’s find was more unusual than most.
Knowsley-based Krol Corlett is currently building a 4,000 sq ft new Co-op retail outlet in Warrington Road, Rainhill. But digging down on the site they came across something they really weren’t expecting to find – a 10-metre swimming pool.
“We’re used to working within constrained sites and this one has posed some interesting challenges,” said senior contracts manager Mike Topping.
“A 10-metre swimming pool was an unexpected find, but we knew about the traffic management challenges and our plan for that has helped keep what is a busy high street moving properly.”
Despite this obstacle the Krol Corlett team has managed to keep the project on schedule. Its 22-week contract is to build the structure to the point where shopfitters can then complete the interior fit-out, ready for opening in January 2026.
READ MORE: Construction to begin on £100m town centre transformation
READ MORE: Graham secures £71m Liverpool Waters contract
It will include an in-store bakery, food to go, customer toilet, external seating, and 16-space customer car park. Cycle storage provision and electric vehicle charging points will be installed to promote sustainable travel.
The steel frame for the store is now complete, with work now moving on to the roof, walls and windows. Other issues included ensuring compliance with the area’s tree protection zone and the need to shore up neighbouring garden walls.
“We identified and implemented numerous workable solutions to everyone’s satisfaction and it’s kept the job on track,” added Mike.
““We’ve worked hard throughout to accommodate the needs of local people. This is their neighbourhood, after all, and we pride ourselves on being a good neighbour on all our sites. I’m grateful to everyone who has come forward with helpful suggestions.”
Other works to be undertaken by Krol Corlett include all external finishes, car parking and landscaping. The professional team for the project includes NIRAS (architecture), Stantec Hydrock (structural engineer), Shelby Group (quantity surveying).