Queens Arcade Shopping Centre Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study

Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C

Date: 29 January 2021 Doc ref: QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

Issued by Hydrock Consultants Limited Tel: 02920 023665 Castlebridge 5 E-mail: cardiff@hydrock.com 5-19 Cowbridge Road East www.hydrock.com Cardiff CF11 9AB

Client Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C

Project name Queens Arcade Shopping Centre

Title Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study

BIM reference QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001

Project reference C-12310-C

Date 29/01/2021

Document Production Record

Status and Revision P3 S2 Name

Prepared by Dickon Morris BSc (Hons) MSc FGS

Checked by Matthew Holbourn BSc (Hons) MSc FGS

Approved by Alexandra Edwards Bsc (Hons) MSc FGS

Document Revision Record Status Revision Date Revision Details

S2 P1 29/01/2021 Final

S2 P2 01/04/2021 Revision following client comment

S2 P3 12/04/2021 Scheme name change.

S2 P4 15/07/2021 Scheme name change and updated planning application details.

Hydrock Consultants Limited (Hydrock) has prepared this report in accordance with the instructions of the above-named Client, under the terms of appointment for Hydrock, for the sole and specific use of the Client and parties commissioned by them to undertake work where reliance is placed on this report. Any third parties who use the information contained herein do so at their own risk. Hydrock shall not be responsible for any use of the report or its contents for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared or for use of the report by any parties not defined in Hydrock’s appointment.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 i

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 2. PHASE 1 STUDY (DESK STUDY AND FIELD RECONNAISSANCE) ...... 4 3. OUTLINE CONCEPTUAL SITE MODEL ...... 15 4. DESK STUDY CONCLUSIONS ...... 18 5. PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS ...... 19 6. UNCERTAINTIES AND LIMITATIONS ...... 21 7. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER WORK ...... 22 8. REFERENCES ...... 23

Appendices

Appendix A Drawings Appendix B Field Reconnaissance Photographs Appendix C Historical Ordnance Survey Maps Appendix D Desk Study Research Information Appendix E Preliminary Geotechnical Risk Register Appendix F Plausible Source-Pathway-Receptor Contaminant Linkages Appendix G Hydrock Methodologies Tables

Table 2.1: Site referencing information ...... 4 Table 2.2: Site description ...... 5 Table 2.3: Site history review ...... 5 Table 2.4: Geology ...... 7 Table 2.5: Aquifer system ...... 9 Table 2.6: Groundwater abstractions ...... 9 Table 2.7: Surface water features ...... 10 Table 2.8: Surface water abstractions ...... 10 Table 2.9: Surface water discharges ...... 11 Table 2.10: Waste management sites ...... 12 Table 2.11: Regulatory information within 500m of the site ...... 12 Table 2.12: Natural soil chemistry ...... 13 Table 2.13: Non-specialist UXO screening (for the purposes of ground investigation) ...... 14 Table 4.1: Possible Pollutant Linkages (for Risk Levels of Moderate or Greater) ...... 18 Table 5.1: Preliminary development constraints / recommendations (at Desk Study stage) ...... 19

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 i

Figures

Figure 2.1: Site location ...... 4 Figure 2.2: Extract from the Ordnance Survey Map...... 4 Figure 2.3: Superficial deposits...... 8 Figure 2.4: Solid geology...... 8

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SITE INFORMATION AND SETTING Objectives The works have been commissioned to provide an initial assessment of the potential ground conditions at the site from an environmental and geotechnical perspective and to support a hybrid planning application by Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C. Client Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C Site name and Queens Arcade Shopping Centre, Queen Street, Cardiff CF10 2BY location Proposed The site development proposals are understood to comprise a mixed use development development comprising a hotel of circa eight storeys and residential development of circa 14 storeys with commercial space on the lower floors. This will include the demolition of the existing arcade to ground floor level with the existing basement and basement foundations retained. Where no basement is present it is understood that demolition will be to ground level but that piles and pile caps of existing foundations are likely to be retained. PHASE 1 (DESK STUDY AND SITE RECONNIASANCE) Ground Model The site is currently entirely occupied by the existing Queens Arcade which is a covered shopping centre with a variety of shops on two levels. The site is approximately 0.9 ha in area, roughly level and set at an altitude of around 12m AOD. It is bounded by Working Street to the west, Queens Street to the north, other shops to the east and the St David’s Shopping Centre to the south. The buildings are of an age such that they may contain asbestos. Review of historical Ordnance Survey mapping indicates: • In the earliest mapping from 1880 the site was occupied by terraced buildings. There was an area of open ground near the centre of the site and a number of streets crossed the site that no longer exist. The former town moat (sometimes referred to as the Glamorganshire Canal) also crossed the eastern part of the site but the northern 80% of the section on site was covered at the time. • By the 1900s buildings had been constructed in the centre of the site. • By the end of the 1950s the moat running through the site is indicated to have been filled in and an electric substation has been built in the south east corner of the site. • During the 1990s the buildings at the site were demolished and the existing Queens Arcade built in their place. A non-specialist UXO assessment indicates a moderate bomb risk. The geology at the site consists of Made Ground underlain by Glaciofluvial Sheet Deposits which are in turn underlain by the Mercia Mudstone Group. A historic borehole notes groundwater at around 6m bgl. The Glaciofluvial Sheet Deposits comprise a Secondary A Aquifer and the Mercia Mudstone Group comprises a Secondary B Aquifer. The Dock Feeder Canal flows west to east approximately 230m north of the site and the River Taff flows from north to south approximately 500m west of the site. ASSESSMENT AND CONCLUSIONS Preliminary The following plausible geotechnical risks are identified. Geotechnical • Variable Made Ground - settlement or differential settlement of foundations, floor slabs, Hazards roads and infrastructure elements. A variety of Made Ground is to be expected across the site and in particular the area of the backfilled moat could potentially include deeper deposits with household/commercial waste from the 1930’s to 1950’s.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 iii

• Attack of buried concrete by aggressive ground conditions – the development site may contain Made Ground and potentially sulphate bearing soils. • Loose Made Ground and shallow groundwater, leading to difficulty with excavation due to trench instability. • Potential for obstructions and the risk of instability of excavations with the impact on construction staff, vehicles and plant operators. • Obstructions due to the fact that existing piles are to remain. Additional piles are likely to be required to support additional loads for the new multi-storey development. These will need to be carefully located to avoid existing ones. • Potential for unforeseen ground conditions and the risks associated with limited data. Preliminary Geo- Based on historical land uses and its current operational use, the overall risk from land environmental contamination at the site is considered to be low for the current development, and low (with Conclusions some specific moderate risks related to ground gas) identified for a redeveloped site, but would need to be confirmed by appropriate intrusive investigation, testing and assessment of the results of the investigation. It is considered that it is unlikely that the site would be classified as Contaminated Land under Part 2A of the EPA 1990. The possible pollutant linkages on an unremediated site determined by desk study and walkover are summarised below for risk levels of moderate or greater. Source(s) ◄ potential Impact on ► Receptor(s) Ground gases (carbon dioxide and methane) from organic materials Site users in the Made Ground below the site and in the waste material used to Buildings fill the former moat. Asbestos in existing buildings Workers on site

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS Further work In order to confirm the actual risks to receptors and confirm the ground conditions with respect to potential geotechnical and geo-environmental risks, an appropriate intrusive investigation will need to be undertaken. This investigation will need to: • determine the depth and distribution of Made Ground and natural strata across the site; • determine the soil strength/density profile beneath the site; • determine the depth/level of groundwater beneath the site; • determine the ground gas concentrations beneath the site; • assess trench stability, over break potential and ‘diggability’; • allow sampling for chemical and geotechnical laboratory testing; • allow soil classification to allow geotechnical characterisation, derivation of parameter for use in foundation design and determine suitability for reuse of soils within earthworks; • obtain information in terms of Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete Class (ACEC Class). • a detailed UXO desk study will be required prior to any intrusive ground investigation or installation of new foundations at the site. As the existing piles are likely to be retained a clear understanding of the location of existing foundations (through the examination of as built drawings) will be required prior to any work being undertaken. It is likely that ground investigation will need to take place through the existing floor slab once demolition of the existing building to ground level has been completed. Furthermore, if a gas membrane is present beneath the existing building this will have implications for intrusive works including additional ground investigation and piling through the slab, if required. Following investigation, assessment will be required to:

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 iv

• update the Ground Model; • update the Geotechnical Risk Register; • provide Geotechnical Design recommendations; • update the outline Conceptual Site Model (oCSM), including identification of plausible pollution linkages; • undertake generic quantitative risk assessment of potential chemical contaminants to establish ‘suitability for use’ under the current planning regime; • discuss potential environmental liabilities associated with land contamination (soil, water and gas); and • provide outline mitigation recommendations to ensure the site is ‘suitable for use’. This Executive Summary forms part of Hydrock Consultants Limited report number QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 and should not be used as a separate document.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 v

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Terms of reference

In January 2021, Hydrock Consultants Limited (Hydrock) was commissioned by Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C (the Client) to undertake a desk study for a scheme called Queens Arcade Shopping Centre on the current site of Queens Arcade, Queen Street, Cardiff, CF10 2BY.

The site is currently an undercover shopping centre across three levels (two levels of shops and a roof level that handles deliveries) plus a basement.

Hydrock understands that the proposed development is to comprise the demolition of the existing shopping centre to ground level (with retention of the basement) and subsequent construction of a mixed-use development comprising residential, commercial and leisure floorspace. It is understood that existing foundations are to be retained with the potential for additional piles to support the proposed increased loads. Proposed development layouts are presented in Appendix A.

The works have been undertaken in accordance with Hydrock’s proposal referenced (C-12310-GSWC – 17th December 2020) and the Client’s instructions to proceed delivered by email dated 9th December 2020. Note that the detailed fee proposal postdates the instruction to proceed as an informal fee was provided to the Client prior to issue of detailed proposal. 1.2 Objectives

The works have been commissioned to provide an initial assessment of the potential ground conditions at the site from an environmental and geotechnical perspective and to support a planning application.

The application is a Hybrid Planning Application seeking:

• Outline Planning Permission (all matters reserved except access) for a mixed-use development comprising a series of buildings for residential, commercial and leisure floorspace (Use Classes A1, A2, A3, B1, D2, C1, C3 and Sui Generis) with associated access and landscaping/ public realm/ open space provision. • Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the change of use and alterations to No. 24 & 26 Queen Street Chambers, Queen Street to commercial use (Use Class B1), and • Conservation Area Consent for demolition of the existing Queens Arcade buildings. The name of the planning applicant is Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C. The objective of the Phase 1 Desk Study is to formulate an outline Conceptual Ground Model of the site to identify key geo-environmental and geotechnical risks to the proposed development. 1.3 Scope

The scope of the Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study comprises:

• a limited field reconnaissance (walkover) to determine the nature of the site and its surroundings including current and former land uses, topography and hydrology; • acquisition and review of:

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 1

▪ historical Ordnance Survey maps, to identify former potentially contaminative uses shown at the site and immediately surrounding it, and an assessment of the associated contamination risks; ▪ a third-party environmental report to identify flooding warning areas, local landfills, pollution incidents, abstractions, environmental permits etc. which may have had the potential to have environmental impact on the site; ▪ topographical, geological and hydrogeological maps; ▪ British Geological Survey (BGS) archive records; ▪ regional UXO risk maps; ▪ a site specific UXO pre desk study risk assessment; ▪ the Coal Authority's Interactive Viewer; • development of a preliminary Ground Model representing ground conditions at the site; • development of an outline Conceptual Site Model (oCSM), including identification of potential pollution linkages; • a qualitative assessment of any geo-environmental risks identified; and • identification of plausible geotechnical hazards. 1.4 Available information

A large number of plans and pre planning documents have been made available by the client for use in the preparation of this report. A selection of the important ones which are also included in Appendix A are as follows:

• Design Commission for Wales. April 2018. ‘Queens Arcade Shopping Centre: Pre-Submission Statement’; • Holder Mathias Architects. March 2011. ‘Queens Arcade: Existing Basement Level Plan’ Ref: 3763 AL(0)04; • Holder Mathias Architects. February 2019. ‘Queens Arcade: Proposed Level 1 Area Plan’ Ref: 3763 AL(0)01; and • Holder Mathias Architects. Proposed Ground Floor Plan. The Client has commissioned or obtained assignment of the above documents and Hydrock and Hydrock is entitled to full reliance upon their contents. 1.5 Regulatory context and guidance

The geo-environmental section of this report is written in broad agreement with BS 10175:2011+ A2:2017, ‘Land Contamination: Risk Management’ (LCRM, 2019) and the AGS (2006) 'Good Practice Guidelines for Site Investigations'. The methods used follow a risk-based approach, with the first stage being a Phase 1 desk study and field reconnaissance (this report), with the potential geo-environmental risk assessed qualitatively in future report(s) using the ‘source-pathway-receptor contaminant linkage’ concept to assess risk as introduced in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA, 1990).

The geotechnical section of this report is prepared in general accordance with BS EN 1997 (EC7) and BS 8004:2015. This report forms the Preliminary Sources Study Report (PSSR) as defined by DMRB CD622.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 2

Remaining uncertainties and recommendations for further work are listed in Section 5 and Section 7.

Reference to the technical details of the approach and the methodologies adopted are provided in Appendix G.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 3

2. PHASE 1 STUDY (DESK STUDY AND FIELD RECONNAISSANCE) 2.1 Data

A number of desk study sources have been used to assemble the following information. These are presented in Appendix C and Appendix D and include:

• Third-party environmental report (Envirocheck report, reference 271312729_1_1); • Historical Ordnance Survey mapping; • BGS Archive Records; • Zetica UXB Risk Maps (https://zeticauxo.com/downloads-and-resources/risk-maps/); • Pre Desk Study UXO Risk Assessment (Zetica); and • Coal Authority's Interactive Viewer (http://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/coalauthority/home.html). 2.2 Site referencing

The site is referenced in Table 2.1 and the location is indicated in Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2.

Table 2.1: Site referencing information

Item Brief Description Site name Queens Arcade Shopping Centre. Site address Queen Street, Cardiff CF10 2BY. Site location and The site is located within Cardiff city centre with frontages onto Queen Street to the north grid reference and Working Street to the west. The site is roughly centred on NGR 318350E, 176460N and has an approximate area of 0.9 ha.

Figure 2.1: Site location Figure 2.2: Extract from the Ordnance Survey Map.

(Reproduced with permission from Groundsure) (OS licence 100023353).

A site location plan (Hydrock Drawing QSA-HYD-XX-XX-DR-G-1000) is presented in Appendix A.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 4

2.3 Site description and field reconnaissance survey

A limited field reconnaissance survey was undertaken on 12th January 2021 to visually assess potential geotechnical hazards, contaminant sources and receptors. The weather during the field reconnaissance survey was grey and cloudy. It was not possible to access the interior of the shopping centre which was closed due to the Covid-19 lockdown enforced by the Welsh Government and the walkover was therefore limited to a walk around the perimeter and examination of the list of retail facilities within the centre.

A basic site description is presented in Table 2.2 and photographs are presented in Appendix B. The locations and directions from which these photos were taken are shown on the site walkover plan (Hydrock drawing QSA-HYD-XX-XX-DR-G-1002) which is included in Appendix A.

Table 2.2: Site description

Item Brief Description Site access The site was closed at the time of writing this report, but the main public access points are from Queen Street to the north and Working Street to the west. There is also a link from St David’s shopping centre in the south east corner of the site. Furthermore, access for deliveries is facilitated by a network of access roads running across the top of the buildings that enter the site from the south east corner. Site area The site is in the shape of an irregular diamond and has an area of approximately 0.9 ha. Elevation, The site is situated within Cardiff city centre at an altitude of around 12m AOD. The site is topography and completely covered by the existing Queens Arcade shopping centre which is known to have any geomorphic a basement. features Present land The land is currently occupied by the existing shopping centre which was constructed in the use 1990s and continues right up to the site boundary and is in physical contact with the adjacent buildings. There are a variety of shops in the arcade including stationary, clothing and food. None of the shops noted are considered to be likely sources of contamination. Vegetation There is no vegetation at the site which is completely covered by the shopping centre. General site The site is located in Cardiff city centre in an area dominated by retail outlets. The sensitivity surrounding area is therefore considered to be of low sensitivity. It should be noted that the façade of the venetian style building to the immediate west of the northern entrance to Queens Arcade is listed and is to be retained. Site boundaries The site is bounded by Working Street to the west, Queens Street to the north, retail and businesses to the east and St David’s Centre to the south. surrounding land

2.4 Site history

A study of historical Ordnance Survey maps has been undertaken to identify any former land uses at the site and surrounding areas which may have geotechnical or geo-environmental implications for the proposed development. The key findings are summarised in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3: Site history review

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 5

Reference Key Features on Site Key Features off Site OS Map1 1880: A number of streets that no longer exist are As the site is located in Cardiff city centre a 1:2,500 noted in the vicinity of the site. large number of land uses can be seen in the Historical Town Plymouth Street running along the eastern vicinity of the site. However, only a minority of Plan 1880: boundary of the site. these land uses are considered to have the 1:500 Cross Street running into the site from the potential to cause contamination. These are as east. follows; Tunnel Court running south from Queen Grave yard of St John the Baptist’s Church Street to join Cross Street. around 20m to the west of the site. Hills Terrace running south from Cross The Hayes Iron Foundry around 250m to the Street. south of the site. Thomas’s Terrace running across the Tramway noted running along both Queen southern part of the site from Working Street and Working Street. Street to the town moat. The site of the town wall is noted running north to south close to the centre of the site. A moat is noted running to the immediate east of the town wall although the northern 80% of the length of the moat within the site is covered with Tunnel Court (a road) running over the top. Terraced buildings are noted running along the streets around the site and along some alleys to the west coming off Working Street. Aside from a hotel on Queen Street the buildings are unlabelled but due to their city centre location it is likely that they would have been used for residential purposes. A large area of unoccupied land is noted at the centre of the site. OS Map 1901 Buildings have been constructed on the Hayes Iron Foundry no longer noted 250m to 1:2,500 open space in the centre of the site with the south. glass roofs between the buildings suggesting a similar arrangement to the retail arcades that are found throughout Cardiff city centre. OS Map 1920 Some reconfiguration of buildings on site Limited changes of significance noted. 1:2,500 with glass roofed arcade not running through from Queen Street to Working Street. Historic Building Garage noted on Tunnel Court. Plan 19352 Welding and engineering works in the southern part of the site.

1 Ordnance Survey Historical Map Information provided by Envirocheck. 2 Detailed town plan produced by Chas E. Goad Ltd and included with Envirocheck Report. Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 6

Reference Key Features on Site Key Features off Site Aerial Image is not sufficiently detailed to see the site clearly. However, there does not appear to be Photograph evidence of bomb damage in the vicinity of the site. 1947 1:10,5603 Historic Building Electric substation noted in the south east South Wales Electricity Board stores and Plan 1951 corner of the site at the junction of workshops noted to the immediate south of the Plymouth Street and Cross Street. site. Some buildings in the centre of the site have been demolished and replaced larger buildings. Historic Building Tunnel Court is in the process of being built Limited changes of significance noted. Plan 1961 over with light commercial buildings noted to be under construction on the previous location of the street. OS Map 1963 The moat which ran under the site from The section of moat to the south of the site has 1:1,250 north to south and surfaced around 40m also been filled in. from the southern boundary is now labelled as Hill’s Terrace. It is not clear if this has been filled in or simply built over. However, based upon historical landfill records it is likely that it has been infilled. OS Map 1983 Buildings in south east corner of site have Most of the buildings to the south and east of 1:1,250 been demolished and new shopping the site have been demolished and the St facilities built (part of St David’s Centre). David’s Shopping Centre built in their place. OS Map 1992 Majority of buildings across the site have Limited changes of significance noted. 1:1,250 been demolished with the exception of the buildings in the south east corner which were noted to have been redeveloped in the previous map and two buildings in the north west corner. OS Map 1994 Queens Street Arcade as it currently exists 1:1.250 has been built on the site. Aerial Limited changes of significance noted. Photograph 2000 Google Earth Limited changes of significance noted. 2020

2.5 Geology

The general geology of the site area is shown on the British Geological Survey (BGS) 1:50,000 geological map of Cardiff (Sheet 263) extract reproduced as part of the Envirocheck report and is summarised in Table 2.4. Extracts from the map are shown in Figure 2.3 and Figure 2.4.

Table 2.4: Geology

3 Aerial photography included as part of Envirocheck Report. Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 7

Ref. for Figures Location Stratigraphic Description Name Superficial Deposits (Figure 2.3) GFSDD On site Glaciofluvial Sheet Generally, sand and gravel deposited in an alluvial Deposits environment at the margins of the Devensian ice sheet. Solid Geology (Figure 2.4) MMG On site. Mercia Mudstone Generally red, sometimes green grey mudstones with Group subordinate siltstones and locally with thick halite bearing units in basinal areas.

Figure 2.3: Superficial deposits. Figure 2.4: Solid geology.

(Reproduced with permission from Groundsure) (Reproduced with permission from Groundsure) A number of borehole logs from the BGS archive have been reviewed. One of these is located within the site itself and is therefore considered most relevant. The details of this borehole are as follows;

• ST17NE337, located in the south west part of the site close to the existing Working Street entrance of Queens Arcade (NGR 318340E, 176430N), drilled to a depth of 11.3m (groundwater noted at around 6.3m bgl during the drilling) and recorded: ▪ Concrete over brick ash and clinker cobbles and boulders between ground level and 1.50m below ground level (bgl); ▪ silty clay and gravel with cobbles and boulders (probable Glaciofluvial Deposits) between 1.50m and 3.50m bgl; ▪ dense sandy gravel and cobbles (Glaciofluvial Deposits) between 3.50m and 7.80m bgl; ▪ stiff silty clay with gravel and boulders (Glaciofluvial Deposits) between 7.80m and 8.10m bgl; ▪ stiff silty clay with fragments of mudstone (Mercia Mudstone) between 8.10 and 8.80m bgl; and ▪ moderately weak mudstone (Mercia Mudstone) between 8.80m and 11.30m bgl. The density and strength descriptions given in the borehole log are based on SPT results which are also shown on the borehole log and although these are likely to be reliable, they should be confirmed with up to date testing as part of a ground investigation.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 8

2.6 Hydrogeology 2.6.1 Aquifer designations

Based on the inferred geological sequence presented in Section 2.5 and the Environment Agency's interactive aquifer designation map, the aquifer system presented in Table 2.5 applies. Additional information on the hydraulic characteristics of the geological units has been abstracted from Jones et al (2000).

Table 2.5: Aquifer system

Stratum Aquifer Designation Comments Superficial Deposits Glaciofluvial Sheet Secondary A Aquifer Predominantly sand and gravel of moderate to high Deposits permeability with some variation in the proportion Overall, this unit is likely to be anisotropic in nature with horizontal permeability greater than vertical permeability (i.e. kh>kv).

Solid Geology Mercia Mudstone Secondary B Aquifer Dominated by low permeability and low porosity clay/ Group mudstone, which is interbedded with moderate to high permeability layers of sandstone. Potentially faulted and fractured, with high secondary permeability. Overall, this unit is likely to be very anisotropic in nature with horizontal permeability significantly greater than vertical permeability (i.e. kh>>kv). Jones et.al, notes “The Mercia Mudstone Group, (formerly the Keuper Marl), has traditionally been regarded as predominantly impermeable and at best a poor aquifer”.

2.6.2 Groundwater abstraction

There are three active licensed groundwater abstractions within 500m of the site. A number of abstractions associated with the Brains brewery on Penarth Road noted in the Envirocheck Report are assumed to no longer be active as the brewery has ceased operation. The abstractions noted are listed in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6: Groundwater abstractions

Location Relative to Site Purpose of Abstraction 260m S Non-Evaporative Cooling (Brewery) 280m SW Sports ground irrigation 430m SW Sports ground irrigation

2.6.3 Groundwater source protection zones and groundwater vulnerability

The site is not within a groundwater Source Protection Zone (SPZ).

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 9

2.6.4 Groundwater levels, recharge, and flow

It is considered that groundwater is likely to be concentrated within the Glaciofluvial Sheets Deposits with the majority of groundwater movement concentrated within this unit. Limited flow within the underlying Mercia Mudstone where permeability is likely to be dominated by flow along fractures and discontinuities. The historic borehole record recorded water at a depth of around 6m bgl. However, this borehole was drilled in August when groundwater levels are typically at their lowest. Therefore it is expected that groundwater would be located much closer to the surface at other times of the year.

The groundwater body beneath the site is considered likely to be in hydraulic connectivity with the River Taff which flows from north to south approximately 500m west of the site boundary.

Due to the relative lack of topography in Cardiff city centre it is considered that groundwater flow will generally be to the south towards Cardiff Bay with some flow towards the River Taff.

Groundwater is likely to be recharged by hydraulic flow from surface water bodies and highly seasonal and dependant on local precipitation. Surface infiltration is likely to be minimal given the amount of hardstanding in the area and therefore swift reaction to individual rainfall events is not expected. 2.6.5 Groundwater quality

The groundwater body beneath the site (SE Valleys Southern Devonian Old Red Sandstone & Triassic Mercia Mudstone) is currently (2015) classified under the Water Framework Directive as ‘good’. 2.6.6 Groundwater flooding

The environmental data report indicates limited potential for groundwater flooding. 2.7 Hydrology 2.7.1 Surface water system and drainage

The surface water features in the vicinity of the site are listed in Table 2.7.

Table 2.7: Surface water features

Feature Location Relative to Site Dock feeder canal 230m N River Taff 500m W

The Taff is the main river in the area, the dock feeder canal is a man-made waterway which branches off the Taff approximately 2km to the north west of the site and feeds Bute East Dock approximately 1km to the south east of the site. Due to the permeability of the underlying Glaciofluvial Sheet Deposits all of the surface water features are considered likely to be in hydraulic connectivity with the groundwater. 2.7.2 Surface water abstractions and discharges

Table 2.8 summarises the active licensed surface water abstractions within 1km of the site.

Table 2.8: Surface water abstractions

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 10

Location Relative to Site Purpose of Abstraction 630m SW General industrial/commercial/public services (very low loss)

There are five active licensed surface water discharges within 1km of the site. They are listed in Table 2.9.

Table 2.9: Surface water discharges

Location Relative to Site Nature of Discharge 330m SW Stormwater overflow discharge 520m SW Treatment works storm overflow 560m SW Stormwater overflow discharge 600m SW Trade discharge – site drainage 930m NW Treated effluent

2.7.3 Surface water quality

Reference to the Natural Resource Wales web site shows the site is located within the catchment of the Taff river basin, with the specific river water body being the Taff – conf Rhondda R to Castel Street. The current (2018) overall status under the Water Framework Directive is ‘moderate’ with the water chemistry indicated as a ‘fail’.

The water body is currently ‘moderate’ status due to concentrations of certain heavy metals and hydrocarbon compounds as would be expected for a river which runs through a highly populated former industrial area. 2.7.4 Surface water flooding

The desk study information indicates the proposed development is not noted to be in a flood risk area.

No further consideration of flood risk is undertaken in this report. Specialist flood risk advice should be sought with regard to drainage and flooding. 2.8 Mining and mineral extraction

The site is not within an area of recorded mining and mining risk is not considered further in this report. 2.9 Natural ground instability

The site is on Glaciofluvial Deposits which in the Cardiff area are generally found to be well compacted and do not cause instability problems. This is observation is backed up by in-situ testing presented on the historic BGS borehole record included in Appendix D. However, it should be noted that the site is likely underlain by a thickness of Made Ground of mixed content and also straddles the backfilled moat that surrounded the former town wall. This may cause issues with ground stability.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 11

2.10 Waste management

There is one historical landfill site located on the site which is recorded as the Glamorganshire Canal, the moat which was along the eastern section of the site, with the above ground feature only noted in the south east corner of the site. Details are provided in Table 2.10.

Table 2.10: Waste management sites

Site Name and Location Details Glamorganshire Canal Status: closed. located on site. Operational dates: 1931 - 1950 Size: not noted Wastes accepted: inert, industrial, commercial and household waste.

2.11 Regulatory consultation

Information in the Envirocheck Report (Appendix D), relating to various regulatory controls has been reviewed, with a summary presented below in Table 2.11.

Table 2.11: Regulatory information within 500m of the site

Regulatory Distance from Details Potential Comment Data Site Risk Pollution 465m SW August 1997, treated effluent No Due to its distance from the Incidents overflow, Category 3 – minor site and the Category 3 incident classification of the incident. 460m SW January 1998, mud/clay/soil, No Due to its distance from the Category 3 – minor incident site and the Category 3 classification of the incident. Trade Directory On site Active No Due to small volumes of Entries Electrical goods sales potential contaminants. Active No Perfume suppliers 110m E Active No Car dealers 110m SW Active No Due to the small volumes of Clock and watch wholesalers potential contaminants and its distance from the site. 110m SW Active No Electrical goods sales 180m SE Active No Electrical goods sales 210m W Active No Jewellery repairs 220m SW Active No Brewers

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 12

Regulatory Distance from Details Potential Comment Data Site Risk 220m W Active No Carpet, curtain and upholstery cleaners 230m E Active No Distribution services 250m S Active No Jewellery repairs 270m NE Active No Tyre dealers 280m NE Active No Skin Treatments 310m NE Active No Printers 320m SE Active No Clock and watch wholesalers 370m E Active No photocopiers 390m SE Active No Radio communication equipment 430m NE Active No Pest and vermin control 450m NE Active No This is the company office SRK exploration, classified as and therefore not minerals and mining. considered to be a source of contamination. 490m E Active No Due to the small volumes of Refrigerator servicing and potential contaminants and repairs its distance from the site.

2.12 Natural soil chemistry

Information contained within the environmental report (Appendix D) gives indicative (estimated) concentration values for the natural soils at the site for a selection of Contaminants of Potential Concern (CoPC). These have been reproduced in Table 2.12.

Table 2.12: Natural soil chemistry

Element Arsenic Cadmium Chromium Lead Nickel Concentration 30 <1.8 75 <150 35 (mg/kg)

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 13

There is indication in the Envirocheck report of urban Lead concentrations elevated in excess of 1000mg/kg. However, it appears that this is based upon one recorded concentration of 1200mg/kg within the city centre which is unlikely to be representative of the natural soils and to have been influenced by human activity. 2.13 Radon

The radon risk is reported by reference to the UK Radon Map published by Public Health England.

The guidance indicates that the site is not in a Radon Affected Area and no radon protection measures are required. 2.14 Unexploded ordnance (UXO)

In general accordance with CIRIA Report C681 (Stone et al 2009) a non-specialist UXO screening exercise has been undertaken for the purposes of ground investigation and is presented in Table 2.13 .

Table 2.13: Non-specialist UXO screening (for the purposes of ground investigation)

Data Comment Further Assessment Required Site History There is no indication of former military use from the desk study. No Post War No ruins or other indications of bombing noted on post war mapping. No Development Geology Type The ground conditions comprise Made Ground over dense Glaciofluvial Sheet Deposits. It is considered unlikely that UXO would remain No undetected in this of geological setting. Surface Cover The surface cover during WWII comprised a significant proportion of during WWI bituminous bound pavement, concrete and buildings. It is unlikely UXO No would remain undetected. Indicator of Zetica UXO mapping indicates that the site is in a moderate risk area for Yes Aerial UXO. Delivered UXO

The non-specialist UXO screening exercise has indicated that further assessment may be required and a Pre-Desk Study Risk Assessment from Zetica UXO was commissioned. The assessment is included in Appendix D.

The assessment notes that there were a number of strategic targets in the area during World War 2 and that several high explosive bombs are recorded to have fallen in the area. The assessment recommends a detailed UXO desk study be undertaken to further assess the risk. It is recommended that this is undertaken prior to any groundworks at the site (including intrusive ground investigation, installation of new foundations/excavations or demolition below the existing floor slab level).

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 14

3. OUTLINE CONCEPTUAL SITE MODEL 3.1 Introduction

The outline Conceptual Site Model (oCSM) incorporates evidence from the site walkover, the Desk Study and previous investigations carried out at the site. The formulation of an outline Conceptual Model is a key component of the LCRM methodology. The oCSM incorporates a ground model of the site physical conditions and an exposure model of the possible contaminant linkages; it forms the basis for Generic Quantitative Risk Assessment (GQRA) in accordance with current guidelines. 3.2 Ground model

The preliminary ground model presented in Section 2 provides an understanding of the ground conditions and is the basis for preparing the preliminary geotechnical hazard assessment (Section 3.3) and the preliminary geo-environmental exposure model (Section 3.4). 3.3 Geotechnical hazard identification 3.3.1 Context

The preliminary geotechnical hazard identification has been undertaken in accordance with the general requirements of ICE/DETR Document ‘Managing Geotechnical Risk’ and the HE documents HD 41/15 and CD 622.

The following section sets out the identified geotechnical hazards and the development elements potentially affected (see Table E.1 in Appendix E for further information). 3.3.2 Plausible geotechnical hazards

Plausible geotechnical hazards identified at the site are:

• Uncontrolled Made Ground relating to the infilled moat and previous developments onsite (variable strength and compressibility). • Variable lateral and vertical changes in ground conditions. • Attack of buried concrete by aggressive ground conditions related to the Mercia Mudstone Group. • Obstructions from previous developments on site and the existing piled foundations that are expected to remain. • Existing below ground structures to remain (it is understood that the existing shopping centre is to be demolished to ground level with the retention of the existing basement). • Shallow groundwater. • Seasonal groundwater changes. • Loose Made Ground, leading to difficulty with excavation and collapse of side walls. • Slope stability issues – retaining walls in the basement. • Earthworks – unsuitability of site won material to be reused as fill. 3.3.3 Potential development elements affected

Development elements potentially affected by geotechnical hazards are: Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 15

• Buildings – foundations. • Buildings – floor Slabs • Roads and pavements. • Services. • Retaining walls. • Construction staff, vehicles and plant operators. • Concrete below ground. Health and safety risks to site Contractors and maintenance workers have not been assessed during these works and will need to be considered separately during design.

The above plausible geotechnical hazards and development elements affected have been carried forward for investigation and assessment. 3.4 Geo-environmental exposure model 3.4.1 Context

The preliminary exposure model is used to identify geo-environmental hazards and to establish potential pollution linkages, based on the source-pathway-receptor (SPR) approach.

A viable pollution linkage requires all the components of an SPR to be present. If only one or two are present, there is no linkage and no further assessment is required. 3.4.2 Potential contaminants

For the purpose of this assessment the potential contaminants have been separated according to whether they are likely to have originated from an on-site or off-site source.

Potential on-site sources of contamination

• Made Ground, cycles of construction and redevelopment which have been going on for centuries (the site is located within the boundary of the medieval town), possibly including elevated concentrations of metals, metalloids, asbestos fibres, Asbestos Containing Materials, PAH and petroleum hydrocarbons (S1). • Landfilled waste including industrial, commercial and household waste that was used to fill the former town moat, sometimes referred to as the Glamorganshire Canal. This material is likely to have been placed without any regulation due to the historic infilling. (S2). • PCBs and oils from transformers in the electricity sub-station noted on site from the 1950s (S3). • Ground gases (carbon dioxide and methane) from Made Ground associated with previous development across the site (S4). • Ground gases (carbon dioxide and methane) from organic materials in landfilled material in the moat/Glamorganshire Canal (S5). • Asbestos within existing buildings (S6).

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 16

Potential off-site sources of contamination

There are no potential off site sources of contamination. 3.4.3 Potential receptors

The following potential receptors in relation to the proposed land use have been identified.

• People (neighbours, site end users) (R1). • Development end use (buildings, utilities and landscaping) (R2). • Groundwater: Secondary A aquifer status of the Glaciofluvial Deposits (R3). • Surface water: River Taff approximately 500m to the west of the site (R4). 3.4.4 Potential pathways

The following potential pathways have been identified.

• Methane and carbon dioxide ingress via permeable soils and/or construction gaps (P1). • Surface water via overland flow (P2). • Surface water, via drainage discharge (P3). • Surface water via base flow from groundwater (P4). Health and safety risks to site development contractors and maintenance workers have not been assessed as part of this study and will need to be considered separately.

The above sources, pathways and receptors have been considered as part of the Preliminary Risk Assessment in accordance with LCRM (2019), are considered to be plausible in the context of this site and have been carried forward for investigation and assessment. An assessment of the Source – Pathway – Receptor linkages is presented in Appendix F (Table F.1).

A summary of the plausible linkages is presented on the Initial Conceptual Model provided in Appendix A (Hydrock Drawing QSA-HYD-XX-XX-DR-GE-1001).

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 17

4. DESK STUDY CONCLUSIONS 4.1 Geotechnical conclusions

The following plausible geotechnical risks are identified.

• Variable Made Ground - settlement or differential settlement of foundations, floor slabs, roads and infrastructure elements. A variety of Made Ground is to be expected across the site and this is expected to be of particular concern in the vicinity of the backfilled moat. • Attack of buried concrete by aggressive ground conditions – the development site may contain Made Ground and potentially sulphate bearing soils. • Loose Made Ground and shallow groundwater, leading to difficulty with excavation due to trench instability. • Potential for obstructions and the risk of instability of excavations with the impact on construction staff, vehicles and plant operators. • Obstructions due to historical development and existing basements and foundations being retained. • Potential for unforeseen ground conditions and the risks associated with limited data. These plausible risks require further investigation and assessment (see Section 7). 4.2 Geo-environmental conclusions

Based on historical and current land uses and in accordance with the processes set out in Appendix G:

• It is considered that it is unlikely that the site would be classified as Contaminated Land under Part 2A of the EPA 1990. • The overall risk from land contamination at the site is considered to be low for the current development, as it is covered by hard standing or buildings limiting the possibility of contact with the soils, as well as the risk of significant rainwater infiltration leading to leaching. • The overall risk for a redeveloped site is also assessed to be low due to the fact that the site will be entirely covered by hardstanding or buildings. However, the risk posed by ground gas is assessed to be moderate and this will need to be addressed by the ground investigation. It is assumed that the current development includes adequate gas protection measures. The possible pollutant linkages (for risk levels of moderate or greater) on an unremediated redeveloped site, as determined by the desk study and walk-over, are summarised in Table 4.1:

Table 4.1: Possible Pollutant Linkages (for Risk Levels of Moderate or Greater)

Source(s) ◄ potential Impact on ► Receptor(s) Ground gases (carbon dioxide and methane) from organic materials in the Made Ground Site Users below the site and in the waste material used to fill the former moat. Buildings Asbestos in existing buildings Workers on site

These possible pollutant linkages require further investigation and assessment (see Section 7).

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 18

5. PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS

Based on the Desk Study information presented above, preliminary development constraints with regards to the development of the site, are presented in Table 5.1. Hydrock believe there are no geotechnical or geo-environmental development constraints anticipated which would not be able to be mitigated using standard engineering practices.

It should be noted that these recommendations are based on the limited data available from the Desk Study and Hydrock’s experience. All preliminary development constraint comments are subject to review and change in the light of the site investigation, assessment and design.

Table 5.1: Preliminary development constraints / recommendations (at Desk Study stage)

Site As the existing basement level and foundations are to be retained there will be a large Preparation, number of obstructions remaining in the ground and it will be important to ensure that Earthworks and excavations and piling operations avoid these obstructions. Groundworks Excavations should be readily achievable using standard plant although hydraulic breaking equipment will be required to break through concrete and other existing foundations at the site. Excavations in the glaciofluvial deposits are likely to be stable in the short to medium term. However, collapse of excavation faces in the coarse soils is to be anticipated. If person- entry is required, or excavations are left open, they should be battered back or shored. Excavations into the fill material in the former moat are more likely to be unstable in the short term. Water seepages into excavations are possible and for any excavations that reach the water table (which is likely given that the existing buildings are being demolished to basement level) these seepages are likely to be quite significant but may be controlled by pumping from sumps. It is likely that much of the excavated soil will not be suitable for reuse due to the large amount of Made Ground expected across the site. Foundations It is understood that the existing foundations are to be retained and it will therefore be necessary to understand the dimensions and as built design of these foundations to allow an assessment of the additional foundations that may be required due to the proposed multi-storey development and therefore potential increased loads. Ground investigation will be required prior to the design of any new foundations, if required. Soakaways Soakaway drainage is unlikely to be a viable drainage solution due to the fact that groundwater is likely to be close to the surface at the site, and due to neighbouring properties preventing viability of infiltration drainage. Buried Concrete The underlying Mercia Mudstone Group is known to be a sulphate bearing rock unit and therefore chemical attack on buried concrete is a potential concern. This risk will need to be addressed via testing. Remediation Significant remediation is unlikely to be required due to the fact that the site will be covered by buildings or hardstanding. Some intrusive ground investigation may be required to prove this. Any Asbestos Containing Materials encountered will need to be disposed of off-site. A Materials Management Plan may be required if there are any significant earthworks and re-use of on-site materials. Protection from Radon protective measures in buildings are not required. Ground Gases

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 19

The requirement for ground gas protection measures cannot be confirmed prior to intrusive investigation. Waste Disposal Made Ground soils may be classified as non-hazardous or hazardous waste depending on chemical laboratory testing. Natural uncontaminated soils are likely to be able to be disposed of at an inert landfill. The Waste Classification will need to be confirmed with appropriate testing; Hazwaste assessment and WAC testing where required.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 20

6. UNCERTAINTIES AND LIMITATIONS 6.1 Site-specific comments

Access into the arcade was not possible. An updated walkover will be required when access is possible to determine if there are any potential contaminant sources inside buildings, update the oCSM and determine access for ground investigation.

It is understood that the existing basement and majority of the existing foundations are to be retained although precise details of what is to be retained have not yet been received. 6.2 General comments

Hydrock Consultants Limited (Hydrock) has prepared this report in accordance with the instructions of Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C (the Client), by e-mail dated 9th December 2020 under the terms of appointment for Hydrock, for the sole and specific use of the Client and parties commissioned by them to undertake work where reliance is placed on this report. Any third parties who use the information contained herein do so at their own risk. Hydrock shall not be responsible for any use of the report or its contents for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared or for use of the report by any parties not defined in Hydrock’s appointment.

This report details the findings of work carried out in January 2021. The report has been prepared by Hydrock on the basis of available information obtained during the study period. Although every reasonable effort has been made to gather all relevant information, not all potential environmental constraints or liabilities associated with the site may have been revealed.

Groundwater data are only representative of the dates on which they were obtained and both levels and quality may vary.

Information provided by third parties has been used in good faith and is taken at face value; however, Hydrock cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Where the existing report(s) prepared by others have been provided by the Client, it is assumed that these have been either commissioned by the Client, or can be assigned to the Client, and can be relied upon by Hydrock. Should this not be the case Hydrock should be informed immediately as additional work may be required. Hydrock is not responsible for any factual errors or omissions in the supplied data, or for the opinions and recommendations of others. It is possible that the conditions described may have since changed through natural processes or later activities.

The work has been carried out in general accordance with recognised best practice. The various methodologies used are referenced in Appendix G. Unless otherwise stated, no assessment has been made for the presence of radioactive substances or unexploded ordnance. Where the phrase ‘suitable for use’ is used in this report, it is in keeping with the terminology used in planning control and does not imply any specific warranty or guarantee offered by Hydrock.

Please note that notwithstanding any site observations concerning the presence or otherwise of archaeological sites, asbestos-containing materials or invasive weeds, this report does not constitute a formal survey of these potential constraints and specialist advice should be sought.

Any site boundary line depicted on plans does not imply legal ownership of land.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 21

7. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER WORK

In order to confirm the actual risks to receptors and confirm the ground conditions with respect to potential geotechnical and geo-environmental risks, an appropriate intrusive investigation will need to be undertaken. This investigation will need to:

• determine the depth and distribution of Made Ground and natural strata across the site; • determine the soil strength/density profile beneath the site; • determine the depth/level of groundwater beneath the site; • determine the ground gas concentrations beneath the site; • assess trench stability, over break potential and ‘diggability’; • allow sampling for chemical and geotechnical laboratory testing; • allow soil classification to allow geotechnical characterisation, derivation of parameter for use in foundation design and determine suitability for reuse of soils within earthworks; • obtain information in terms of Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete Class (ACEC Class). • A detailed UXO desk based risk assessment will be required prior to any intrusive groundworks at the site. As the existing piles are likely to be retained and utilised for the new development, a clear understanding of the location and design parameters of existing foundations (through the examination of as built drawings) will be required prior to any work being undertaken. It is likely that ground investigation will need to take place through the existing floor slab for any new foundations that may be required, once demolition of the existing building to ground level has been completed. Furthermore, if a gas membrane is present beneath the existing building this will have to be considered when carrying out any additional intrusive investigation or new foundations/piling through the existing slab. Following investigation, assessment will be required to:

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 22

8. REFERENCES

ASSOCIATION OF GROUND INVESTIGATION SPECIALISTS. 2006. Guidelines for Good Practice in Site Investigation. Issue 2. AGS, Beckenham.

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. 2007. Eurocode 7 – Geotechnical design - Part 2: Geotechnical investigation and testing. BS EN 1997-2. BSI, London.

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. 2004+A1 2013. Eurocode 7 – Geotechnical design - Part 1: General rules. BS EN 1997-1+A1. Incorporating Corrigendum February 2009. BSI, London.

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. 2011. Code of Practice for Investigation of Potentially Contaminated sites. BS 10175 Incorporating Amendment No. 2:2017. BSI, London.

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. 2015. Code of practice for ground investigations. BS 5930. BSI, London.

CLAYTON, C. R. I. 2001. Managing Geotechnical Risk. Improving productivity in UK building and construction. Thomas Telford, London.

DCLG. February 2019. National Planning Policy Framework. DCLG, London.

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY. 2019. Land Contamination: Risk Management (LCRM). The Environment Agency.

THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY. 2019. Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. Managing Geotechnical Risk. CD 622 Rev 0. Highway Agency, London.

THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY. 2015. Design Manual, Road and Bridges: Volume 4, Geotechnics and Drainage; Section 1, Earthworks; Part 3, HD 41/15, Maintenance of highway geotechnical assets. HD 41/15.

JONES, H. K., MORRIS, B. L., CHENEY, C. S., BREWERTON, L. J., MERRIN, P. D., LEWIS, M. A., MACDONALD, A. M., COLEBY, L. M., TALBOT, J. C., MCKENZIE, A. A., BIRD, M. J., CUNNINGHAM, J. and ROBINSON, V. K. 2000. The physical properties of minor aquifers in England and Wales. British Geological Survey Technical Report WD/00/04. 234pp. Environment Agency R and D Publication 68.

MILES, J. C. H., APPLETON, J. D., REES, D. M., GREEN, B. M. R., ADLAM. K. A. M. and MYRES. A. H. 2007. Indicative Atlas of Radon in England and Wales. Health Protection Agency and British Geological Survey. Report HPA-RPD-033.

MINISTRY OF HOUSING, COMMUNITIES and LOCAL GOVERNMENT (MHCLG). Internet published Planning practice guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/planning-practice-guidance. MHCLG. London

NHBC. 2020. NHBC Standards. NHBC, Milton Keynes.

RAWLINS, B. G., McGRATH, S. P., SCHEIB, A. J., CAVE, N., LISTER, T. R., INGHAM, M., GOWING, C. and CARTER, S. 2012. The advanced geochemical atlas of England and Wales. British Geological Survey, Keyworth.

SCIVYER, C. 2015. Radon: Guidance on protective measures for new buildings. Building Research Establishment Report BR 211. BRE, Garston.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 23

STONE, K., MURRAY, A., COOKE, S., FORAN, J. and GOODERHAM, L. 2009. Unexploded ordnance (UXO), a guide to the construction industry. CIRIA Report C681. Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments, London.

WATER UK HBF. January 2014. Contaminated Land Assessment Guidance. Water UK and the Home Builders Federation.

WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT. July 2004. Development and flood risk. Planning Policy Wales, Technical Advice Note 15.

WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT. December 2018. Planning Policy Wales, Edition 10.

WILSON, S., OLIVER, S., MALLETT, H., HUTCHINGS, H. and CARD, G. 2007. Assessing risks posed by hazardous ground gases to buildings. CIRIA Report C665. Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments, London.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 24

Appendix A

Drawings

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 1

0 173000 174000 175000 176000 177000 178000 179000 Site Ref:ST17 OS NORTH

Metres 316000 500

317000 REV. P1 DRAWN BY REVISION NOTES/COMMENTS EP FIRST ISSUE 12/01/21 DATE CHECKED BY DM

318000 12/01/21 DATE APPROVED BY DM 12/01/21 DATE QUEENS ARCADE SHOPPINGCENTRE SAPPHIRE QACHOLDING S.E.N.C PROJECT CLIENT

319000 e: [email protected] CF11 9AB Cardiff 5-19 CowbridgeRoadEast t: +44(0) 2920023665 SITE LOCATIONPLAN QSA-HYD-XX-XX-DR-GE-1000 DRAWING NO. SUITABLE FORINFORMATION PURPOSE OFISSUE C-12310-C HYDROCK PROJECTNO. TITLE (PROJECT CODE-ORGINATOR-ZONE-LEVEL-TYPE-ROLE-NUMBER)

320000 1:25,000 SCALE @A4 P1 REVISION S2 STATUS Proposed Development

West East Site Boundary Site Boundary

Existing St. David's Shopping Centre Working Street R1 R2

P1 P1 R1 R4 S1 S4 Made Ground S3 River Taff P2 P3 ~500m S5 S2 Glaciofluvial Sheet Deposits R3 Backfilled Moat

Mercia Mudstone Group

Potential on-site sources of contamination Potential receptors

The following potential receptors in relation to the proposed land use have been identified.

S1. Made Ground, cycles of construction and redevelopment which have been going on for centuries (the site is located within the R1. People (neighbours, site end users). boundary of the medieval town), possibly including elevated concentrations of metals, metalloids, asbestos fibres, Asbestos Containing Materials, PAH and petroleum hydrocarbons . R2. Development end use (buildings, utilities and landscaping). S2. Landfilled waste including industrial, commercial and household waste that was used to fill the former town moat, sometimes referred to as the Glamorganshire Canal. This material is likely to have been placed without any regulation. R3. Groundwater: Secondary A aquifer status of the Glaciofluvial Deposits.

S3. PCBs and oils from transformers in the electricity sub-station noted on site from the 1950s. R4. Surface water: River Taff approximately 500m to the west of the site.

S4. Ground gases (carbon dioxide and methane) Made Ground associated with previous development across the site. Potential pathways S5. Ground gases (carbon dioxide and methane) from organic materials in landfilled material in the moat/Glamorganshire Canal ). The following potential pathways have been identified. S6. Asbestos within existing buildings.

P1. Methane ingress via permeable soils and/or construction gaps.

P2. Surface water via overland flow.

P3. Surface water, via drainage discharge.

P4. Surface water via base flow from groundwater.

KEY NOTES 5-19 Cowbridge Road East TITLE Cardiff Existing ground profile CF11 9AB

Conjectural geological boundary 1. All dimensions are to be checked on site before the commencement of works. Any discrepancies are to be t: +44(0) 2920 023 665 reported to the Architect & Engineer for verification. Figured dimensions only are to be taken from this drawing. e: [email protected] OUTLINE CONCEPTUAL SITE MODEL Groundwater elevation 2. This drawing is to be read in conjunction with all relevant Engineers' and Service Engineers' drawings and CLIENT Made Ground specifications. SAPPHIRE QAC HOLDING S.E.N.C HYDROCK PROJECT NO. SCALE @ A3 Glaciofluvial Sheet Deposits C-12310-C NTS FIRST ISSUE PROJECT PURPOSE OF ISSUE STATUS P1 EP 12/01/21 DM 12/01/21 DM 12/01/21 SUITABLE FOR INFORMATION S2 Mercia Mudstone Group REVISION NOTES/COMMENTS QUEENS ARCADE SHOPPING CENTRE DRAWING NO. (PROJECT CODE-ORGINATOR-ZONE-LEVEL-TYPE-ROLE-NUMBER) REVISION REV. DRAWN BY DATE CHECKED BY DATE APPROVED BY DATE QSA-HYD-XX-XX-DR-GE-1001 P1 OS NORTH

lift Goods

1650

1506m²

10 STAIR 10 9 8

7 6 5

3 2 1

Escalator 2 Escalator

1500

AA(21)01

STAIR STAIR

STAIR 1255m²

225

684m²

Stair 2 Stair

Stair 1 Stair

Escalator 1 Escalator

324m²

& lift shaft (TBC) shaft lift &

Fire Fighting stair Fighting Fire

Store

Cupboard & Cupboard Cleaners

722

822m² Halifax Unit Halifax 4

KEY NOTES 5-19 Cowbridge Road East TITLE Cardiff x Photo location 1. All dimensions are to be checked on site before the CF11 9AB commencement of works. Any discrepancies are to be t: +44(0) 2920 023 665 reported to the Architect & Engineer for verification. e: [email protected] SITE WALKOVER PLAN Figured dimensions only are to be taken from this drawing. CLIENT

2. This drawing is to be read in conjunction with all relevant Engineers' and Service Engineers' drawings and SAPPHIRE QAC HOLDING S.E.N.C HYDROCK PROJECT NO. SCALE @ A4 specifications. C-12310-C NTS FIRST ISSUE PROJECT PURPOSE OF ISSUE STATUS P1 3. This drawing has been based on the following DM 13/01/21 MH 13/01/21 AE 14/01/21 SUITABLE FOR INFORMATION S2 drawings and information: Holder Mathias Architects REVISION NOTES/COMMENTS QUEENS ARCADE SHOPPING CENTRE DRAWING NO. (PROJECT - ORIGINATOR-VOLUME-LEVEL-TYPE-ROLE-NUMBER) REVISION drawing 3763 AL(0)01 REV. DRAWN BY DATE CHECKED BY DATE APPROVED BY DATE QSA-HYD-XX-XX-DR-G-1002 P1

Appendix B

Field Reconnaissance Photographs

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 1

Desk Study Photograph 1

Date: 12/01/2021

Direction Photograph Taken: Looking south

Description: Entrance from Queen Street

Desk Study Photograph 2

Date: 12/01/2021

Direction Photograph Taken: Looking west along Queen Street

Description: Venetian style building adjacent to Queen’s Arcade. Facade to be retained.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre |Sapphire QAC Holding S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | 12310-QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 Appendix B - 2

Desk Study Photograph 3

Date: 12/01/2021

Direction Photograph Taken: South

Description: Only remaining fragment of city wall located around 100m north west of the site. The foundations of this wall are expected to be found beneath the site.

Desk Study Photograph 4

Date: 12/01/2021

Direction Photograph Taken: North east

Description: Western entrance to shopping centre.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre |Sapphire QAC Holding S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | 12310-QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 Appendix B - 3

Desk Study Photograph 5

Date: 12/01/2021

Direction Photograph Taken: North west

Description: Looking across graveyard of St John the Baptist’s Church to the west of the site.

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre |Sapphire QAC Holding S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | 12310-QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 Appendix B - 4

Appendix C

Historical Ordnance Survey Maps

Queens Arcade Shopping Centre| Sapphire QAC Holdings S.E.N.C | Phase 1 Ground Conditions Desk Study | QSA-HYD-XX-XX-GE-RP-0001 | 29 January 2021 2

Historical Mapping Legends

Ordnance Survey County Series 1:10,560 Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1:10,000 Raster Mapping

Historical Mapping & Photography included:

Mapping Type Scale Date Pg Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1885 - 1886 3 Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1901 4 Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1922 5 Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1922 6 Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1938 7 Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1947 - 1951 8 Historical Aerial Photography 1:10,560 1947 9 Historical Aerial Photography 1:10,560 1947 10 Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1965 11 Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1975 12 Cardiff 1:10,000 1982 13 Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1986 14 Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1991 15 Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1995 16 10K Raster Mapping 1:10,000 1999 17 10K Raster Mapping 1:10,000 2006 18 VectorMap Local 1:10,000 2020 19

Historical Map - Slice A

Order Details Order Number: 271312729_1_1 Customer Ref: C-12310-C National Grid Reference: 318350, 176460 Slice: A Site Area (Ha): 0.86 Search Buffer (m): 1000 Site Details Queens Arcade, Queen Street, CARDIFF, CF10 2BY

Tel: 0844 844 9952 Fax: 0844 844 9951 Web: www.envirocheck.co.uk

A Landmark Information Group Service v50.0 08-Jan-2021 Page 1 of 19 Russian Military Mapping Legends

1:5,000 and 1:10,000 mapping 1:25,000 mapping Key to Numbers on Mapping

Historical Mapping & Photography included:

ST17NE_Cardiff Mapping Type Scale Date Pg Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1885 - 1886 3 No. Description 2 Dockyard (Ship Repairs) Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1901 4 7 Railway Station Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1922 5 8 Railway Station Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1922 6 29 Factory (Machinery) Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1938 7 38 Factory (Metal Works) Glamorganshire 1:10,560 1947 - 1951 8 42 Factory (Metals) Historical Aerial Photography 1:10,560 1947 9 47 Mill (Flour) Historical Aerial Photography 1:10,560 1947 10 52 Factory (Ship Building) 64 Education Establishment (College) Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1965 11 65 Education Establishment (College) Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1975 12 66 Bridge (Road) Cardiff 1:10,000 1982 13 67 Council/Government Buildings/Courts Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1986 14 68 Council/Government Buildings/Courts Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1991 15 73 Police Station/Headquarters Ordnance Survey Plan 1:10,000 1995 16 80 Post Office 82 Post Office 10K Raster Mapping 1:10,000 1999 17 84 Post Office 10K Raster Mapping 1:10,000 2006 18 86 Post Office VectorMap Local 1:10,000 2020 19 87 Radio Station 95 Railway Station (Freight) 106 Police Station/Headquarters And Court 110 Prison 111 Education Establishment (University)

Russian Map - Slice A

Tel: 0844 844 9952 Fax: 0844 844 9951 Web: www.envirocheck.co.uk

A Landmark Information Group Service v50.0 08-Jan-2021 Page 2 of 19 Glamorganshire Published 1885 - 1886 Source map scale - 1:10,560 The historical maps shown were reproduced from maps predominantly held at the scale adopted for England, Wales and Scotland in the 1840`s. In 1854 the 1:2,500 scale was adopted for mapping urban areas; these maps were used to update the 1:10,560 maps. The published date given therefore is often some years later than the surveyed date. Before 1938, all OS maps were based on the Cassini Projection, with independent surveys of a single county or group of counties, giving rise to significant inaccuracies in outlying areas. In the late 1940`s, a Provisional Edition was produced, which updated the 1:10,560 mapping from a number of sources. The maps appear unfinished - with all military camps and other strategic sites removed. These maps were initially overprinted with the National Grid. In 1970, the first 1:10,000 maps were produced using the Transverse Mercator Projection. The revision process continued until recently, with new editions appearing every 10 years or so for urban areas.

Map Name(s) and Date(s)

Historical Map - Slice A

Tel: 0844 844 9952 Fax: 0844 844 9951 Web: www.envirocheck.co.uk

A Landmark Information Group Service v50.0 08-Jan-2021 Page 3 of 19 Glamorganshire Published 1901 Source map scale - 1:10,560 The historical maps shown were reproduced from maps predominantly held at the scale adopted for England, Wales and Scotland in the 1840`s. In 1854 the 1:2,500 scale was adopted for mapping urban areas; these maps were used to update the 1:10,560 maps. The published date given therefore is often some years later than the surveyed date. Before 1938, all OS maps were based on the Cassini Projection, with independent surveys of a single county or group of counties, giving rise to significant inaccuracies in outlying areas. In the late 1940`s, a Provisional Edition was produced, which updated the 1:10,560 mapping from a number of sources. The maps appear unfinished - with all military camps and other strategic sites removed. These maps were initially overprinted with the National Grid. In 1970, the first 1:10,000 maps were produced using the Transverse Mercator Projection. The revision process continued until recently, with new editions appearing every 10 years or so for urban areas.

Map Name(s) and Date(s)

Historical Map - Slice A

Tel: 0844 844 9952 Fax: 0844 844 9951 Web: www.envirocheck.co.uk

A Landmark Information Group Service v50.0 08-Jan-2021 Page 4 of 19 Glamorganshire Published 1922 Source map scale - 1:10,560 The historical maps shown were reproduced from maps predominantly held at the scale adopted for England, Wales and Scotland in the 1840`s. In 1854 the 1:2,500 scale was adopted for mapping urban areas; these maps were used to update the 1:10,560 maps. The published date given therefore is often some years later than the surveyed date. Before 1938, all OS maps were based on the Cassini Projection, with independent surveys of a single county or group of counties, giving rise to significant inaccuracies in outlying areas. In the late 1940`s, a Provisional Edition was produced, which updated the 1:10,560 mapping from a number of sources. The maps appear unfinished - with all military camps and other strategic sites removed. These maps were initially overprinted with the National Grid. In 1970, the first 1:10,000 maps were produced using the Transverse Mercator Projection. The revision process continued until recently, with new editions appearing every 10 years or so for urban areas.

Map Name(s) and Date(s)

Historical Map - Slice A

Tel: 0844 844 9952 Fax: 0844 844 9951 Web: www.envirocheck.co.uk

A Landmark Information Group Service v50.0 08-Jan-2021 Page 5 of 19 Glamorganshire Published 1922 Source map scale - 1:10,560 The historical maps shown were reproduced from maps predominantly held at the scale adopted for England, Wales and Scotland in the 1840`s. In 1854 the 1:2,500 scale was adopted for mapping urban areas; these maps were used to update the 1:10,560 maps. The published date given therefore is often some years later than the surveyed date. Before 1938, all OS maps were based on the Cassini Projection, with independent surveys of a single county or group of counties, giving rise to significant inaccuracies in outlying areas. In the late 1940`s, a Provisional Edition was produced, which updated the 1:10,560 mapping from a number of sources. The maps appear unfinished - with all military camps and other strategic sites removed. These maps were initially overprinted with the National Grid. In 1970, the first 1:10,000 maps were produced using the Transverse Mercator Projection. The revision process continued until recently, with new editions appearing every 10 years or so for urban areas.

Map Name(s) and Date(s)

Historical Map - Slice A

Tel: 0844 844 9952 Fax: 0844 844 9951 Web: www.envirocheck.co.uk

A Landmark Information Group Service v50.0 08-Jan-2021 Page 6 of 19 Glamorganshire Published 1938 Source map scale - 1:10,560 The historical maps shown were reproduced from maps predominantly held at the scale adopted for England, Wales and Scotland in the 1840`s. In 1854 the 1:2,500 scale was adopted for mapping urban areas; these maps were used to update the 1:10,560 maps. The published date given therefore is often some years later than the surveyed date. Before 1938, all OS maps were based on the Cassini Projection, with independent surveys of a single county or group of counties, giving rise to significant inaccuracies in outlying areas. In the late 1940`s, a Provisional Edition was produced, which updated the 1:10,560 mapping from a number of sources. The maps appear unfinished - with all military camps and other strategic sites removed. These maps were initially overprinted with the National Grid. In 1970, the first 1:10,000 maps were produced using the Transverse Mercator Projection. The revision process continued until recently, with new editions appearing every 10 years or so for urban areas.

Map Name(s) and Date(s)

Historical Map - Slice A

Tel: 0844 844 9952 Fax: 0844 844 9951 Web: www.envirocheck.co.uk

A Landmark Information Group Service v50.0 08-Jan-2021 Page 7 of 19