Execution of civil engineering works at DVSA Kingstanding

Author
Gerry Carolan, Operations Director, Civil Engineering
10 March 2026

To support the construction of a new driving test centre in Kingstanding, Kier Construction commissioned a full civils works package as part of the site development.

Stockton Group was appointed to deliver the civil engineering scope, undertaking drainage infrastructure, foundations, reinforced concrete works, and hard and soft landscaping. The project required careful sequencing and technical problem-solving to overcome ground level constraints and groundwater challenges while maintaining programme delivery.

 

  

Decor Execution of civil engineering works at DVSA Kingstanding
SCOPE OF WORK

SCOPE OF WORK

Stockton Group delivered a comprehensive civils package to support the construction of the new driving test centre, covering foundations, drainage infrastructure and hard and soft landscaping through to final completion and handover

Works included construction of building foundations and reinforced concrete elements, including formwork, and casting of the main concrete floor slab. Extensive external drainage infrastructure was also installed, incorporating underground services and surface water management systems such as soakaway tanks and associated pipe networks.

External works formed a key part of the package, with delivery of car park surfacing, kerbing, hard landscaping, and topsoiling, ensuring the site was completed to handover standard and ready for operational use. 

 

Project Summary

Full civils package delivered on behalf of Kier Construction including hard and soft landscaping
Installation of underground services and external drainage systems
Delivered to planned schedule despite challenging ground conditions

Project Breakdown

Ground level constraints

Significant level variations and groundwater ingress across the site required careful planning and phased excavation works.

Multi-trade coordination

Works were carried out alongside ongoing construction activities, requiring clear communication.

Late project involvement

Stockton joined the project after initial stages and overcame design issues.

Quote Author

“The commitment, drive and support Stockton has given Kier to complete the project to such high standards, and as programmed, is a fantastic achievement. I really look forward to working with Stockton again on future projects.” 

Wayne Bramley Operations Manager, Kier Construction

PROJECT BREAKDOWN

To facilitate delivery of the new driving test centre, Kier Construction appointed STOCKTON GROUP to undertake the civil engineering package, ensuring critical infrastructure and substructure elements were delivered safely and in line with programme requirements.

 

PROJECT BREAKDOWN

DRAINAGE DELIVERY

The works included the installation of all underground services plus internal and external drainage systems across the site. This included the installation of soakaway tanks, which are designed to prevent flooding.

During the programme roll-out, several design changes were introduced mid-project. The team adapted sequencing and installation methodologies accordingly, ensuring continuity of works while maintaining compliance with revised specifications and programme requirements.

DRAINAGE DELIVERY

REINFORCED CONCRETE AND SUBSTRUCTURE WORKS

Foundation works comprised of the construction of building foundations, including excavation, preparation, installation of formwork, reinforcement placement, and the casting of the main concrete floor slab. The slab was delivered to specification, providing the structural base for the new facility.

Careful sequencing and close coordination with other trades were essential, particularly as Stockton joined the project at a later stage and navigated ongoing design adjustments. Despite these challenges, the works progressed efficiently and were completed in line with the planned schedule.

REINFORCED CONCRETE AND SUBSTRUCTURE WORKS

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

Challenging ground level constraints and groundwater ingress across various areas of the site required close collaboration between Stockton and Kier Construction to maintain safe working practices throughout.

Stockton’s HSEQ procedures were implemented across the project, ensuring works were delivered safely and to the highest standard while staying on schedule.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE