A5 20mm

A4 23mm

A3 26mm

SPRING 2016 www.tideway.

A2 Tideway 39mm Times

“Whilst she may be gone, at - way we have made sure that she is not forgotten. Our environmentally Tideway honours sympathetic ‘urban camouflage’ art- work is set to serve as a reminder of her service to the nation and to iconic HMS the capital.” From German U-boats to glamour- ous weddings, HMS President has President seen it all over the past century, but she still has plenty of life left within Tideway is paying tribute to one of the last three First her for more adventures. World War vessels still in existence since she was Launched by the Royal Navy as relocated from the after 93 years. HMS Saxifrage in 1918, the ves- sel began as a submarine hunting ‘Q ship’, designed to fool enemy submarines into thinking she was To make way for construction of the view to potentially using the design just a normal freighter before reveal- Thames Tideway Tunnel, HMS Presi- for hoardings at Tideway sites ing her deadly arsenal at the last dent has moved from Blackfriars to a across London. moment. When the First World War temporary home on the River Med- Mark Sneesby, Chief Operating finished, she was renamed HMS way, where she will be refitted and Officer at Tideway, said: “HMS Presi- President and served the Royal refurbished, ahead of her centenary dent has been a permanent fixture Navy with distinction as a reserve in 2018. on the Thames for 93 years, and base on the Thames, training the Tideway is honouring HMS Pres- whilst we are saddened to see her next generation of sailors defending ident’s wartime service by using move on to the next chapter of her the country. the boat’s distinctive ‘dazzle cam- life, it is fitting that she is moving She continued to serve the capi- ouflage’ pattern as a basis for an to protect the river that has been tal, firstly as a charity centre, before artwork installation at the Kirtling her home. becoming a unique function venue Street site in , with a in 1996 and forming the backdrop to numerous events and weddings over the years. To commemorate her role in the First World War, in 2014 she was repainted in ‘’, designed to confuse the enemy, a key naval tactic during the war. Her historical significance means she will also be in demand for the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in the same year. She remains one of just three First World War vessels that served with the Royal Navy still in existence. Tideway will be using the site at Blackfriars Embankment to con- nect the tunnel to an existing sewage discharge point in to the river. Once completed, a new area of embankment will be created, giv- HMS President makes her journey to the River Medway in February ing additional public space to enjoy the river. MESSAGE FROM ANDY MITCHELL — TIDEWAY CEO

Welcome to the latest edition of that this will not be the case at Tide- work we’ve been doing at the site, Tideway Times. Over the past few way, which is why we’ve pledged to which has involved moving the iconic months, we have been focused on start the ‘Right Way’. HMS President and starting work on finding ways to finish the Thames Our health and safety campaign will a new pier and lift. Tideway Tunnel programme faster make sure everyone working on the has also been carrying out some than scheduled. We are hoping this Thames Tideway Tunnel—whether important work at Chambers Wharf could be up to two years earlier than they’re from the Tideway project in Bermondsey to prepare for con- planned – something we are sure will team, the main works contractors, struction to begin, which has involved come as welcome news for the com- or the supply chain, is prepared to removing materials from the site by munities we are working in. Work has start work safely and get home to barge. This is all part our strategy to already started at one of our main their families and friends, healthy and move more materials by river, and a drive sites in Kirtling Street, Batter- happy, at the end of every day. You’ll sign of things to come as we strive sea, with preparations underway be able to see evidence of our ‘Right to keep as many lorries off the road to begin work in Fulham and Ber- Way’ campaign around our sites as possible. mondsey in the next two months. soon. In the meantime, I am proud Elsewhere in this edition you can While we are endeavouring to finish to see that our employees are already find out how Tideway staff have been earlier than scheduled, our number leading the way in tackling health and giving their time to volunteer for char- one priority remains – as it always safety issues, not just at work but in ity (p.7), see what we are doing to will – to do things safely or not at all. the wider community. You can read tackle the skills gaps in construc- Now is the most fundamental time more about the excellent example set tion (p.13) and how we are helping to ensure we’re getting health and by one of our engineers who stood develop the next generation of train- safety right. Sadly, previous experi- up and took action against a health ing for river workers (p.4–5). ence and statistics tell us that it’s the hazard on page nine. I hope you enjoy this edition of beginning of construction projects It’s been a busy time for us since Tideway Times, and look forward to that tend to be the most dangerous, we started work at Blackfriars at the updating you again in summer when with serious injuries and fatalities end of last year. In this issue, you work on the Thames Tideway Tunnel much more likely. We are determined can find out about the important will be in full swing.

02 Launch of new Thames Tideway Tunnel ‘fly through’ video

A new video following the route of the Thames Tideway Tunnel from the sky above London was launched at the London Infrastructure Summit.

The video plots the tunnel’s journey from The film had its premiere at the London Acton in west London, following the route Infrastructure Summit on 10 March. along the River Thames and the Limehouse The summit bought together key indus- Cut to Abbey Mills in east London where try players exploring critical areas where it will join the and continue to the infrastructure sector can contribute to Beckton sewage treatment works. developing a world class capital city. Passing over the city’s famous land- marks along the River Thames, the short film details each of the construction sites Watch the video at: required to build the tunnel, and highlights www.tideway.london/the-tunnel important information about each site.

03 Making waves in river training

Tideway is helping to lead the way in marine training as the company pledges to move more by river during construction.

Tideway is aiming to transport at The course includes a virtual reality transformational.” In May, the new least 4.2 million tonnes of spoil simulator of the tidal River Thames, Thames Skills Academy (TSA) will be during construction of the Thames complete with , flows, all cur- launched with the support of Tide- Tideway Tunnel by river, a 30% rent timetabled passenger vessels way, to help ensure that there is a increase to the existing river traffic and changeable weather conditions. sufficient, trained workforce, quali- and creating at least 300 maritime Andy Mitchell, Tideway CEO, vis- fied to operate freight vessels on the jobs, including bargehands and tug ited HR Wallingford to try out the River Thames. boat operators. simulator. He said: “I can see that Roger Bailey, Asset Manage- Along with HR Wallingford, an this could become a new standard ment Director, said: “It’s key for our independent research and con- for regular competency re-evalua- vision of reconnecting London with sultancy in civil engineering and tion for the Thames rather like that the river.” environmental hydraulics, Tide- required of airline pilots. It was truly way has helped develop a four-day ground breaking stuff and I just have course designed to ensure boat to thank all of our team who have masters working for Tideway are been behind this over the past cou- fully prepared and skilled to work ple of years—this is exactly what on the Thames. we mean when we talk about being

A barge removes spoil from Chambers Wharf

04 “ It’s key for our vision of reconnecting London with the river.””

Andy Mitchell trials the simulator at HR Wallingford

Tideway will sit on the TSA A long-reach excavator trans- “This is therefore a carefully board, along with the Port of Lon- ferred spoil from site to 1000 tonne planned operation, to ensure maxi- don Authority, Transport for London capacity barges, and the material mum efficiency when the tides are in and the Company of Watermen was taken east to Pitsea in — our favour. It is also a piece of work and Lightermen. a four and a half hour journey. that we are undertaking with the In March, a barge carrying spoil Removal of this stockpile will allow upmost sensitivity, given the prox- from a Tideway site in east Lon- for the construction of a sub-station imity to local residents.” don signalled the start of efforts to in the south-east corner of the site. start utilising the river for transport Steve Wilkinson, Asset Delivery during construction of the Thames Manager for TIG, said: “This is a Tideway Tunnel. major milestone for the team. While Thames Water's Tideway Integra- there are clear benefits to reducing tion Team (TIG) has been working the impact upon London’s con- to remove a mound of rubble at gested road networks, utilising the Chambers Wharf in preparation for very river we are all aiming to clean construction work to begin on site presents its own unique challenges, this spring. not least the impact of the tide.

05 New Thames apprentices celebrated

Tideway's CEO Andy Mitchell joined Transport minister, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, to present eleven Thames apprentices with Maritime Skills Diplomas.

Andy Mitchell (second left) joins Lord Ahmad (centre) and maritime apprentices at Butlers Wharf

For the apprentices, aged from 18 to 25, the and maritime is set for remarkable growth over Diplomas are the of two years’ hard work, the next 20 years. gaining experience with passenger and freight “A highly skilled workforce is vital if the UK operators along the river, alongside day release is to remain the world’s premier maritime study with Skills Track at Tilbury. They will com- centre and I commend the work being done to plete their training, which the Thames Training ensure the economic potential of the Thames Alliance (TTA) ran, by passing Maritime & Coast- is being maximised.” guard Agency Boatmaster Licence exams. The Thames Vision project, led by the Port The Diplomas were presented at the end of of London Authority (PLA), has identified pros- National Apprenticeship Week (Friday, 18 March) pects for all aspects of Thames activity to grow at Butlers Wharf on the Thames, just downriver – from the port to passenger trips, sports and from . recreation to inland waterways freight. The PLA Andy said: “The Thames is what our project provided financial support to the TTA of over is about and will also be vital to the way we £60,000 and is working with TTA successor, the deliver the project - with lower emissions and Thames Skills Academy. reduced impact on local communities. Skilled National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2016) people are essential to us being able to make was coordinated by the National Apprenticeship the most of the Thames and that is why these Service and is designed to celebrate appren- apprentices are so important to us. That is why ticeships and the positive impact they have on we are supporting the creation of the Thames individuals, businesses and the wider economy. Skills Academy to build on the great work of Speaking on the day, TTA chairman Chris the TTA, offering training and apprenticeships Livett added: “Today is a proud day for these to even more young people.” young people, and for the TTA. I’ve spent all my Lord Ahmad said: “An apprenticeship can take working life on the river and it’s great to be able you anywhere and these young people know to help the next generation get set for the future. where they’re going: they’re on course for a The TTA has done its job. We’ve moved training great career on the Thames. As the transport on the Thames to a new level and are delighted minister with responsibility for skills, I’m hugely to see the Thames Skills Academy now taking up excited by the opportunities that lie ahead for the baton.” apprentices such as these as use of the river

06 Team Tideway ‘making a massive difference’ A Tideway employee showed that volunteering can make a real difference to people’s lives in London, as he took to the streets of the capital to help the homeless.

Scott Young, Skills and Employ- Scott said: “We managed to take Volunteers from Tideway have ment Manager, joined Tideway’s one person off the street and find also been helping out at a weekly charity partner Thames Reach on him temporary accommodation in bowling night for children and an outreach overnight shift in Lon- a hostel. The Thames Reach guys young adults with special needs, don, offering support and helping rely on volunteers to be able to go organised by the company’s new- find accommodation for people liv- out on outreach—for health and est charity partner KEEN London. ing on the streets. safety reasons they have to go out Hannah Shroot, Media Officer in pairs, so volunteering is making said: “I believe that giving back a massive difference to this organi- is a really important thing to do. I believe that giving sation and their ability to help the Tideway has built a great relation- “ people most in need.” ship with KEEN to make it really back is a really important Thames Reach helps home- easy for us to take part. I popped thing to do. Tideway has less and vulnerable people to along not really knowing what to find decent homes, build sup- expect but I found it a really enjoy- built a great relationship portive relationships and lead able experience. I got to talk to and with KEEN to make it fulfilling lives. helped out a great bunch of peo- ple that have conditions that make really easy for us to things like socialising difficult.” take part. ”

07 Students and mentors taking part in ‘Breaking Barriers’ London teenagers ‘Breaking Barriers’ with Tideway

Employees working on the Thames Tideway Tunnel are supporting a pioneering programme that aims to broaden horizons and provide opportunities for young people.

‘Breaking Barriers’ is being led Jeremy Galpin, Legacy Lead One of the students taking part by the main works contractors for Tideway East, said: “This is a said: “I have improved my com- responsible for building the east hugely rewarding programme to be munication skills and confidence section of the Thames Tideway involved in. Physical activity pro- so I am not hesitant to contribute Tunnel, a joint venture of Cos- motes whole life health benefits when I have an idea.” tain, Vinci Construction Grands including self-discipline, enhanced James Burton, Programme Projets and Bachy Soletanche, in self-esteem and teamwork, so it Manager from LYR said: “Tide- partnership with London Youth is great to see how youngsters in way has been an excellent partner (LYR). London can benefit. It also corre- since coming on board with Lon- The social mobility programme sponds with Tideway’s vision to don Youth Rowing’s Breaking targets teenagers who are not reconnect Londoners with the river, Barriers Programme. The stu- fulfilling their potential and aims which we will be working towards dents are enjoying learning from to broaden the aspirations of if we help inspire a new generation their engaged and enthusias- young people through sport of keen rowers. ” tic mentors and speak positively and mentoring. The youngsters will be assessed, about their experiences there. Assessment days at schools using metrics developed by We are looking forward to grow- in Newham, Tower Hamlets and Cambridge University, at regu- ing the partnership with Tideway Islington last September helped to lar intervals over two years, to as we expand the programme select students who would bene- see how their resilience, diligence across London.” fit most and the final cohort from and determination are improving. secondary school students from Tideway and contractor volunteer across the capital will learn how mentors work hard to encourage to row with LYR. the youngsters towards being work-ready.

08 Tideway team ‘Clean for the Queen’

Tideway volunteers joined the anti-litter ‘Clean for the Queen’ campaign as they helped tidy up two London tributaries.

Cutting back foliage at the river bank

Staff joined the waterway charity Phil Stride, External Affairs Francesca Campagnoli, from Thames21 at the in Han- Director at Tideway, who took part Thames21, said: “The campaign well on Friday, 4 March, to collect in the River Brent clean-up, said: highlighted that we all have a duty rubbish and help cut back over- “It was hugely rewarding to see our to help keep our communities clean. grown foliage in and around the river work making a real difference on the Thames21 aims to put healthy riv- bank, while another team also took river bank. ers at the heart of community part in a clean-up at the River Cray Litter and pollution in tributaries life and this was a great way for in south-east London. such as the River Brent damages people to get engaged with ‘Clean for the Queen’ called for the environment and can ultimately London’s waterways.” communities to help pick up litter end up in the Thames, so the work Thames21 works with com- to make Britain tidy in time for Her carried out by Thames21 and volun- munities across Greater London Majesty’s 90th birthday this year. teers to keep London’s waterways to improve rivers, canals, ponds free from litter is vital.” and lakes.

“ It was hugely rewarding to see our work making a real difference on the river bank. ”

Tideway employees at the River Brent

09 Engineer

Yogeeta Chhatralia (left) with Communications Manager Katie Ashton rewarded for challenging dangerous working

A Tideway engineer has been commended after she challenged unsafe working on a construction site

While on her way to work, Yogeeta Chhatralia confronted a worker who was using a circular saw without goggles. The Tunnel Engineer for the western sec- tion of the project said: “Working at Tideway, where the focus is always on health and safety, we are empowered to speak up if something isn’t right. I could never have lived with myself if that worker or someone Working at Tideway, else got injured as a result, and I hope that it “ makes others realise that we all have a right where the focus is always to say something if we don’t think something is right.” on health and safety, Stuart Pollard, Tideway's acting HSSE we are empowered to Director said: “Yogeeta showed true cour- age for speaking up when she saw someone speak up if something working without the correct health and safety kit and her story is proof that we should never isn’t right. ” stand by and let someone put themselves and others at risk. If she hadn’t said some- thing, the worker or a passer-by could have been seriously injured. I am sure Yogeeta’s dedication will inspire others to speak out next time they see something amiss.” Yogeeta shared her story with Tideway staff at a networking breakfast to celebrate Inter- national Women’s Day, and received a card and a reward in recognition of her actions.

10 “The eyes of London are on us”

Work on a new pier, lift and staircase at Blackfriars are well underway as the central London site prepares for arrival of the ‘super sewer’.

Work underway at Blackfriars

Tideway is building a new pier for the river- It means that there is no room for error and boats, just a short walk downstream to the we have to do everything we can to prevent eastern side of Blackfriars station. The site disruption to Londoners.” is currently used by Thames Clippers, pro- “Now that we are starting works in ear- viding a key commuter link into the city’s nest, the challenge will be to maintain the financial district. high standards that we have set ourselves, Work is also underway to construct a new lift and we will seek to replicate this success at and stairs to provide better access for wheel- our other sites on the project.” chair users and those with reduced mobility. Blackfriars is a crucial site for Tideway, pro- Tideway Delivery Manager for Central, Andy viding a maintenance stop-off for the Tunnel Alder, said: “The pier relocation work is tech- Boring Machine (TBM) on its journey from Kir- nically demanding, and Blackfriars is one of tling Street to Chambers Wharf. Before the our most high-profile sites. The eyes of Lon- tunnel can arrive, work is focusing on get- don are on us and we have to deliver. The ting the site ready to support the TBMs and proactive attitude of the site team is already to ensure London is kept moving. paying off, and we are working efficiently, Further down the line, a shaft sunk into the safely and in a way that respects the com- river foreshore will allow important mainte- munity around us.” nance to be carried out on the TBM ahead David Gruar, Project Manager for Volker of a change in geology as the tunnel heads Stevin Ltd, which is carrying out the work east, as well as intercepting one of the on behalf of Tideway, said: “This project largest sewer overflows when the scheme has some unique challenges, construct- is operational. ing in one of the busiest waterways in the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world.

11 Female Tideway employees on-site at Blackfriars Tideway celebrates International Women’s Day

A Tideway engineer shared her experiences of the industry to help inspire a future generation of female construction workers as project staff celebrated International Women’s Day.

Ana WW, an engineer working on Tideway staff from across the com- the east section of the tunnel, spoke pany also took part in a networking to children at Wendell Park Primary breakfast on 8 March, to share their School in Acton about her career. career experiences and discuss the She said: “It was a great experience. barriers facing women in the workplace The kids from year six were so curious and ways of achieving gender parity. and inquisitive, I just loved engag- Currently, 36% of the Tideway pro- ing with them and I was amazed at ject team is female. In 2014, CEO Andy the type of questions they came up Mitchell revealed he wants this figure with. It was very rewarding listening to be 50% by the end of construction. to the kids saying they would consider engineering as their profession, especially girls.”

12 Closing the skills gap in construction Representatives from government, business and academia gathered in Westminster in March to debate the need to tackle the gaps in skills and employment in the construction industry.

Skills Minister Nick Boles MP However, it is estimated Andy stressed the need for the joined Tideway CEO Andy 180,000 new skilled entrants will industry to focus on diversity, Mitchell, Crossrail Chairman be needed to deliver construc- adding that Tideway committed Terry Morgan and National Infra- tion projects in the capital and to 50/50 gender parity across the structure Commission member the South East by 2019. business, and saying: “I don't Bridget Roswell for a high-level Mr Boles announced that believe in quotas, but we do panel discussion to explore detailed plans for the Govern- need targets. How we achieve the need for more apprentice- ment’s apprenticeship levy are targets is difficult to predict, ships and training, as well as would be published later this but at Tideway we are doing this the increasing lack of skills and year, followed by a year-long through initiatives like our return- workforce diversity. consultation with business ers programme.” Andy said that those involved and industry. In March, Andy helped launch in infrastructure needed to dem- Crossrail Chairman Terry Mor- SkillsPlanner—an innovative onstrate that they could provide gan said it was important that online platform that aims to a viable career to those wanting major infrastructure projects cre- enable employers, skills pro- to join the construction industry. ated a legacy across a range of viders and other stakeholders He said: “We have to sell the areas, including jobs, skills and to share information on their industry better. For us already in innovation, adding: “We need a workforces. This will help tackle construction and engineering, pipeline of skills that will support skills shortages and enable we get that romantic vision of the whole infrastructure agenda.” effective planning for future building something for our chil- The event coincided with Inter- employment needs in the con- dren and grandchildren. We need national Women’s Day, with struction industry. to sell that, and the potential that diversity in the construction Construction of the Thames the industry has.” industry being a central focus Tideway Tunnel is expected to The construction industry is of the debate. create more than 4,000 direct, one of the UK’s fastest grow- sustainable jobs at the peak ing sectors and is a key driver of construction. of productivity and the coun- try’s economic health, with construction making up 10% of total employment.

13 ‘Sonic’ drills trialled in archaeological surveys

Tideway has been trialling an innovative way of collecting soil samples for archaeological trial investigations.

Tideway’s archaeologists and specialists from Thames Water’s Tideway Integration Group (TIG) geotechnical team joined forces to trial sonic bore- A sonic borehole machine in action hole drilling—a soil penetration technique that strongly reduces friction on the drill string and drill bit, and allows a continuous core sample to be collected. This method can produce largely undisturbed Work is being carried out at Kirtling Street, samples, and provides a better recovery for materi- Heathwall Pumping Station and Cremorne Wharf als such as artefacts and preserved plant materials, to assess the possibility of archaeological remains as well as potentially offering an opportunity for that could be uncovered during construction. more reliable dating. The sampling kicked off at Kirtling Street, where the structures of 18th century timber docks may survive up to five metres below ground, with a pos- sibility of even earlier, possibly prehistoric, remains buried below. Brigitte Buss, Archaeology Adviser, said: “Many of our work sites have deep and com- plex sequences of archaeological strata that are important to understand before construction starts. When we realised the ground conditions at these sites weren’t suitable for normal trial excavation, the project team decided to test sonic drilling as an innovative way to give us an early window on the archaeology. “The sonic drilling method is not normally used for archaeology but we expect it to deliver bet- ter results for modelling and prediction, and for a detailed analysis of recovered samples. If success- ful, this could set a precedent for the way we carry out investigations in areas where ground conditions rule out more standard methods of archaeologi- cal evaluation.”

A core sample collected at Kirtling Street

14 Tideway supports national rowing competition

Thousands of schoolchildren from across the country took part in the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships (NJIRC) at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre on 11 March.

Tideway’s Scott Young with the Row4Results winners from Kensington Aldridge Academy

Tideway team members helped run the 2016 Row4Re- sults tournament London finals, which saw Kensington Aldridge Academy come out victorious. Volunteer Michelle Ansah said: “It was great to see so many young people enjoying indoor rowing, and I hope it’s just the first step in encouraging them to get out on the river.” Row4Results is a competition run by London Youth Rowing and Tideway that aims to get Year 7 and 8 pupils in London into rowing.

15 “BY 2050 IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE WILL BE MORE PLASTIC THAN FISH IN THE OCEANS.”

PADD E APRIL 8TH - 13TH AND All abilities welcome for a week of paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and litter clearing on London’s waterways. Everyone who takes part will receive a discount on Water to Go’s advanced filtration bottles and will have a donation made in their name to support organisations PICK delivering clean water to developing parts of the world.

@PADDLEANDPICK FULHAM-CRABTREE WHARF • PADDINGTON BASIN • DRAWDOCK AND OTHER SITES ACROSS LONDON FIND AN EVENT NEAR YOU AT: WATERTREK.ORG/BLOG

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