Portland Mill Site - Site Securing & Hoarding
Archis Site Services was appointed to secure and upgrade the perimeter hoarding at a derelict construction site in Mansfield that had become vulnerable due to unauthorised access, storm damage, and structural degradation. The site had been left unsecured for some time and was occupied by squatters, posing both safety and legal risks. Our team was brought in to assess, stabilise, and completely replace the hoarding system while managing hazardous waste, security risks, and challenging site conditions.
Initial Survey & Site Assessment
Upon attending the site for an initial survey, our team identified several critical issues:
Large sections of the hoarding were missing due to forced entry and general deterioration
The wrong type of timber (OSB) had been used, leading to water ingress, swelling, and structural failure
Several support posts had not been correctly installed, resulting in collapse during high winds
A derelict cabin on site was being used by unauthorised squatters
Hazardous waste including needles and faecal matter was present around the cabin
Emergency Securing & First Response
Our immediate priority was to secure the perimeter to protect the public and limit further unauthorised access:
All loose hoarding materials were removed and safely stored within the site
Heras fencing was delivered and installed on the same day to fill gaps and reinforce exposed sections
Heras panels were used as kentledge to stabilise existing weak posts
24-hour monitoring was introduced to manage ongoing security threats while the hoarding was repeatedly tampered with by squatters
Site Clearance & Preparatory Works
Over the following weeks, a detailed and structured plan of action was implemented:
The squatters were issued formal notice to vacate the cabin
Upon expiry of the notice, the cabin was dismantled and disposed of by a licensed waste contractor
A specialist hazardous waste cleaning team was brought in to clear drug paraphernalia and biological waste
All vegetation along the perimeter was removed and the ground was levelled and civilised to allow for the new hoarding system to be installed
Additionally, a deep uncovered well was discovered on site, hidden beneath overgrowth. This was promptly fenced off using Heras panels to prevent potential accidents.
Hoarding System Removal & Security Upgrade
Before dismantling the existing timber hoarding, the team implemented an enhanced overnight security setup, including a manned guard and dog patrol, to prevent further intrusions during the transition phase.
Installation of Metal Hoarding System
Once the groundworks were completed, installation of the new metal hoarding began. The system consisted of:
Base metal plates positioned at fixed intervals
Concrete blocks placed on the plates to secure the system
Metal hoarding panels slotted between blocks and upstands, then clipped and braced for structural stability
Infill panels and trims added to eliminate gaps and conceal fixings from the outside
In one section where the ground fell away sharply, we designed and installed a scaffold platform to provide a level surface, allowing the hoarding system to continue uninterrupted along the entire perimeter.
Project Completion
The project concluded with:
Full installation of a durable, tamper-resistant metal hoarding system
Environmental cleaning of the site, including hazardous waste clearance
Fencing of the uncovered well for safety
Tidying and civilising of the entire site perimeter
Reinforced gate areas with concrete blocks and metal panel overlays to prevent vehicle access
Ongoing Recommendations
Maintain site security until the final plant pickup and preferably for an additional two weeks
Conduct monthly inspections of the hoarding to ensure structural integrity and security
How Can We Help?
Any questions, enquires or just a quick hello? – please contact us today.
HEAD OFFICE
Archis Site Services Ltd
1 Kings Avenue
London
N21 3NA