Granite City Grandeur

Safedem has been awarded the prestigious contract for the façade retention and internal demolition of MarischalCollege in Aberdeen. The landmark College building which includes a large central quadrangle is located in the heart of Aberdeen’s busy city centre.

The multi million project involves the retention of the UK’s largest granite façade (the second biggest granite façade in the world) in readiness for the structures new life as Aberdeen City Council’s HQ.

The existing buildings were built in 1836 designed by Aberdeen architect Archibald Simpson , in the style of Westminster’s Houses of Parliament. The similarities of MarischalCollege to Parliament can be seen in the ornate façade and decorative stonework. On viewing the College, John Betjeman wrote ‘ it is bigger than any cathedral, tower on tower, forests of pinnacles, a group of palatial buildings rivalled only by the Houses of Parliament ‘.

Safedem tendered the works package following a vigorous pre qualification process which required contractors to demonstrate competency and experience in the specialist area of façade retention and associated demolitions. Getting the pre – qualification process right is a major factor for demolition contractors today which requires investment in time and resources. The shortlist of contractors that qualified to tender stage included contractors from across Europe.