Strategic planning in a constrained environment

The structure formed part of a former aluminium works and was located adjacent to an operational top-tier COMAH site, significantly increasing the complexity of planning and coordination.

While the explosive demolition itself was technically straightforward, the logistical and operational constraints presented the primary challenge.

The site is situated on a constrained island environment with a single main access route that splits into four key arterial roads circling the demolition area.

This required extensive coordination to manage closures and maintain access for emergency services and stakeholders.

A critical constraint was the operational continuity of a 24/7 international port, alongside a major Network Rail asset running through the site.

Together, these factors reduced the viable demolition window to just 30 minutes, making precise timing essential.

Additional sensitivities included the proximity of a major RAF training facility, ongoing emergency search and rescue operations, and the requirement for a temporary no-fly zone.

Managing these alongside road closures, stakeholder requirements, and safety-critical infrastructure created a highly constrained operational environment.

The Anglesey project ultimately demonstrated that the key challenge was not the demolition itself, but the integration of complex, overlapping constraints – transport, aviation, rail, maritime operations, and emergency services – into a single, tightly controlled execution window.

One of the UK’s leading engineering demolition consultants, C&D has been involved in over 400 projects worldwide – tower block demolition, industrial dismantling, inner city projects, oil rig offshore work and numerous smaller projects.

Mike Kehoe, managing director

With over 40 years of experience in the demolition industry, Mike has almost seen it all.

Learning from his father during the 1970s and 80s, and taking over the business, he then pursued multiple roles at some of the largest demolition companies in the UK acting as managing director, before settling into the consultancy side for C&D.

Alongside overseeing all working operations, Mike undertakes client advisor roles on multi-million-pound city centre contracts.

Renowned for his expertise in explosive demolition, Mike is passionate about driving positive health & safety changes in the industry as well as progressing the next generation of demolition engineers through the ranks in his role on the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE) council of management.