A Mommoth Undertaking
Before work could start on preliminary surveying for the redevelopment of Derby’s historic Roundhouse site, Peter Cox were engaged to undertake a lengthy bird fouling removal contract which entailed up to 18 staff working throughout the site for a period of 5 weeks.
Cleaning Up Was Just The Beginning
Left derelict for 20 years the various buildings on the site had become heavily infested by pigeons with accumulated fouling was knee deep in places.
Acutely conscious of the potential health risks associated with bird fouling – such as cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, salmonellosis and extrinsic allergic alveolitis (‘pigeon fancier’s lung’) – Peter Cox drew up a detailed method statement and work programme incorporating all the necessary safety measures and comprehensive PPE for the technicians.
The contamination spread from roof level to all floors covering every conceivable surface and this led to abseilers being employed to clear the high level areas.
The fouling was first treated with biocide before being placed in waste bags for removal from site in containers and subsequent safe disposal in line with controlled waste regulations. Cleared areas were then given a second biocidal treatment.
Pigeons have a strong instinct to return to their former nesting sites so to prevent reinfestation, all the windows, roof lights and any other possible points of entry had to be netted as part of the contract.
The Grade II* listed buildings were first built in 1839 for the North Midland Railway and represent part of the earliest railway works in Britain still remaining substantially intact. These include the main office building with clock tower, the roundhouse with its central turntable and nearby repair sheds.
By 2009, the site had been transformed into a 7800 sq.m. technology campus for Derby College after receiving funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Learning & Skills Council.
The Perfect Solution To Keeping Birds On The Move
Selecting the right system for each site and situation is the key to successful bird proofing. They must be designed for the specific species involved, but at the same time thought needs to be given to the buildings aesthetics and a balanced approach taken.
Sometimes a combination of deterrent systems is required. Peter Cox understands people’s perceptions of what bird proofing is reasonably required will be different, and will change as projects progress.
We are happy to work with clients, architects and conservation officers to help find bird deterrent solutions which are “best fit” for each building or project, are as aesthetically unobtrusive as possible and of course, are effective.
How the Roundhouse looked when it was a railway station.
