Cantillon and Mann Group on top in Urban categories

Steve Ducker Desk Editor, Off Highway Research

08 November 2021

For a fourth year, the Urban Demolition category was divided into two categories either side of a US$10 million project value, and again it opened the awards ceremony.

This time, the shortlisted companies in projects over $10 million were announced first, with Cantillon emerging from a strong field to take a World Demolition Awards prize.

02 URBAN +10 11 - Photo - Facade retention.jpg

Facade retention in Cantillon’s Blossom Street project

The result was announced by Scott Homrich, president of the US National Demolition Association, and the judges said: “The temporary works design and installation at Blossom Street, alongside adjacent rail and underground lines, was an incredible engineering achievement.”

The £35 million (US$48.3 million) Blossom Street project was the company’s largest ever contract, and first to incorporate a major substructure package. One of the most complex demolition projects in London, it required Cantillon to demolish six buildings across three sites, while retaining historic facades from the 18th and 19th centuries and protecting neighbouring properties.

Scott Homrich remained on stage to announce the result of the second urban category, and this time the envelope contained the name of a first-time winner.

Describing the winning entry, the judges said; “Demanding physical and regulatory constraints required an extremely creative demolition plan, which addressed every concern and allowed the work to be executed flawlessly.”

A suitably urban backdrop for Mann Group’s winning entry

To tackle the project, Mann Group put together over 200 years of experience from multiple branches of senior management, site manager, operators and labourers, adopting a Venn diagram concept to eliminate each single restriction with at least three solutions.

Leny Manassa, accepting on video for Mann Group, said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to receive this award. We are committed to excellence in service and execution.”

Also shortlisted in Urban over $10 million: Deconstruct UK (UK); Erith Contractors (UK); McMahon Services (Australia)

Also shortlisted in Urban under $10 million: Coleman Group (UK); Flesan Demolition (Chile); Priestly Demolition (Canada); Rosenlund Contractors (Australia)