334 Oxford Street

Keltbray was appointed to deliver the ground engineering and excavation package for the redevelopment of the former Debenhams department store on Oxford Street. Following the strip-out and partial demolition of the existing structure, Keltbray undertook the site enabling, piling, excavation and basement formation works required to support the next phase of development. 

The project's ground engineering works centred on overcoming complex below-ground conditions within a highly constrained city-centre location. Extensive probing, pile enabling and obstruction removal activities were undertaken ahead of the installation of 233 linear metres of 900mm diameter secant piled wall and 18 settlement piles. As works progressed, capping beams and a bespoke temporary propping system, designed by Keltbray's in-house engineering practice, Wentworth House Partnership, were installed to facilitate safe bulk excavation and basement construction. 

Working on one of Europe's busiest retail streets, Keltbray carefully managed excavation risks, ground stability and environmental impacts throughout the programme. Through proactive obstruction removal, controlled excavation methodologies and continuous monitoring of dust, noise and vibration, the team successfully prepared the site for the new basement and substructure works while protecting neighbouring assets and maintaining business continuity in a densely populated urban environment. 

Before redevelopment, the site comprised the partially demolished former Debenhams department store with significant below-ground obstructions and constraints. Following Keltbray's ground engineering and excavation works, the site was stabilised, excavated and prepared for the construction of the new basement, substructure and commercial development.

Key Facts 

• 233 linear metres of 900mm diameter secant piled wall installed. 
• 18 settlement piles constructed as part of the foundation solution. 
• Keltbray carefully managed excavation risks, ground stability and environmental impacts throughout the programme on Oxford Street, one of Europe's busiest retail and pedestrian environments.