A UK-first for sustainable construction methods at Ardrossan Community Campus
Morgan Sindall Construction is making history at the Ardrossan Community Campus – delivering the first project in the UK to utilise a fully battery-powered pile driving rig during construction.
This groundbreaking project represents the first and key phase of the Ardrossan Coastal Quarter plans, which will see a derelict site completely regenerated into a transformational community asset. The new campus will house both Winton Primary and Ardrossan Academy, alongside public library and swimming pool facilities, serving as a catalyst for wider regeneration including new housing and commercial uses.
Morgan Sindall Construction is working with North Ayrshire Council and SCAPE Scotland to deliver this transformational redevelopment that will provide a major boost for the entire area.
Sustainability is at the heart of the development, with innovative construction methods demonstrating Morgan Sindall Construction's commitment to environmental leadership and net-zero delivery through pioneering partnerships with specialist contractors.
Key Stats
Morgan Sindall Construction achieved a UK first by deploying the Junttan PMx2e - the first fully battery-powered pile driving rig with a 392 kWh high-voltage battery system, producing zero local CO₂ emissions and reduced noise pollution. The project involves 581 driven steel tubular piles to depths of 9.0m to 16.0m, with total carbon savings across the project of 1,622 tonnes of CO₂.
Our Approach
Morgan Sindall Construction's innovative approach to the Ardrossan Community Campus has set new standards for sustainable construction in the UK. Working in partnership with specialist contractor Roger Bullivant Limited (RBL), the team deployed the groundbreaking Junttan PMx2e pile driving rig, demonstrating commitment to pioneering environmental solutions while maintaining operational excellence.
The revolutionary PMx2e rig, featuring a replaceable battery pack system, provides up to 8 hours of piling per charge. By optimising the use of two batteries, the rig delivers a full working day of productivity. Supplied with a 40kW portable charger, the system reduces power requirements on site while the 63-tonne rig, fitted with a 5-ton accelerated hammer and maximum 20-metre pile capability, delivers powerful performance with a compact footprint and low noise output - ideal for sensitive environments like schools and urban developments.
The project's challenging ground conditions on reclaimed industrial land required a robust foundation solution. Morgan Sindall Construction, working closely with RBL and Blyth & Blyth Consulting Engineers, developed a cost-effective and resilient approach using 581 driven steel tubular piles penetrating bedrock to depths of 9.0m to 16.0m below ground level.
Sustainability extended beyond the pioneering piling rig. RBL's team utilised repurposed tubular steel from John Lawrie Tubulars and an electric forklift from Sunbelt Rentals, ensuring comprehensive alignment with the project's ambitious sustainability goals. The total carbon savings of 1,622 tonnes of CO₂ have been formally verified by CarboniCa, the intelligent carbon reduction tool that measures whole life carbon emissions.
Social Impact
The Ardrossan Community Campus represents Morgan Sindall Construction's commitment to regeneration and community investment, providing state-of-the-art educational facilities, alongside a public library and swimming pool facilities, creating a comprehensive community hub.
Morgan Sindall Construction's innovative partnership approach has demonstrated that major infrastructure projects can be delivered with minimal environmental impact, setting a new benchmark for sustainable innovation in the UK construction industry and contributing to North Ayrshire Council's net-zero ambitions.
The project showcases Morgan Sindall Construction's technical expertise in the institutional construction sector while pioneering sustainable construction methods that can be replicated across future developments.
Stuart Parker, Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, said:
We're incredibly proud to be pioneering sustainable construction methods at Ardrossan Community Campus. This project represents a significant milestone for the UK construction industry - being the first to deploy a fully battery-powered pile driving rig demonstrates our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
The 1,622 tonnes of CO₂ savings we've achieved show that major infrastructure projects can be delivered with minimal environmental impact. This campus will help shape the lives of young people in North Ayrshire while setting new standards for sustainable construction that we hope will be replicated across the industry."
Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said:
We are committed to being a net-zero Council and it is fantastic that this is being met during construction of the new Campus. The facility, when complete, will not only be a great place for our young people to learn and thrive but will meet high standards for energy efficiency.
This is a huge investment into the future of our young people and wider community. Not only are we creating a Community Campus, but also a range of other regeneration projects which will transform this derelict site and provide a major boost for the whole area."