by Jennings BCE | Oct 21, 2025 | Jennings News
In This Issue:
- Building a Greener Future in Civil Engineering
- World Mental Health Day
Building a Greener Future in Civil Engineering
There’s a clear and growing shift in civil engineering toward more sustainable and climate-resilient working practices—and at Jennings, we’re proud to be leading the way.
Did you know that we use recycled aggregates and reclaimed stone in the majority of our projects? What sets us apart is that we don’t just source these materials—we produce them ourselves, right here at our own quarry. By reclaiming and recycling materials in-house, we’re able to significantly reduce our environmental impact.
This approach allows us to prioritise local, ethical sourcing and dramatically shorten supply chains, which in turn reduces haulage-related emissions. Not only does this make our operations more efficient, but it also supports our commitment to environmentally responsible construction.
At Jennings, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a core part of how we work, every day. By choosing recycled and reclaimed materials, we’re not only reducing waste and emissions, but also helping to shape a future where civil engineering is truly climate-conscious.
World Mental Health Day 2025
10th October is World Mental Health Day, to encourage people to raise awareness about mental health and encourage open conversations around well-being. Caring for mental health is just as important as physical health — and it’s a responsibility we all share.
At Jennings we support mental health in meaningful ways.
Training & Education: Managers and teams are equipped with resources to recognize signs of burnout and support one another, and many of our staff are qualified Mental Health First Aiders
Toolbox Talk Bulletins: Toolbox talks are given to site staff to encourage them to identify symptoms of poor mental health in themselves and others and resources are signposted so employees can find the best way to access help
CITB Collaboration: Jennings have collaborated with CITB to provide a text based system so employees can seek help when they need it quickly and it is specialised to professionals in the construction industry who need assistance with their mental health
RCS Wales Referral: Staff who are struggling and need additional help can be referred to RCS Wales, an employer supported service which allows individuals to access mental health professionals discretely and with no impact on their job
To access help please visit : Home – Lighthouse Charity
by Jennings BCE | Sep 11, 2025 | Jennings News
In This Issue:
- Project Spotlight: Llandudno Colonnades
- Industry Insights
- Safety Corner
Project Spotlight: Llandudno Colonnades
Great Orme, Llandudno
Client: Colwyn County Borough Council
Start Date: September 2025
Jennings have started works on the restoration of Llandudno’s Colonnade. The historic landmark was built in 1928 and officially opened in 1932 by Lord Mostyn. The walkway which wraps round the Great Orme by the Happy Valley area and with views of the Victorian Pier and impressive coastline was created using local stone and rock.
In recent years the Colonnade has fallen into a state of disrepair, due to age, weather, and exposure to sea air, but thanks to a restoration joint investment of £800,000 by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and the Welsh Government Brilliant Basics Fund, Conwy County Borough Council have employed Jennings Building and Civil Engineering to restore the historic landmark back to it’s former glory.
Works are beginning in September and are due to take around 14 weeks to complete.
Industry Insights: Costal Protection Schemes North Wales
Coastal protection remains a key focus across North Wales, with rock armour continuing to play a vital role in safeguarding communities against erosion and rising sea levels. Recent projects in Towyn, Colwyn Bay, and Rhyl highlight the importance of high-quality materials and precise installation techniques to ensure long-term resilience. With growing investment in climate adaptation measures, demand for robust rock armour solutions is expected to increase, offering opportunities for innovation in sourcing, transport, and sustainable construction practices.
Jennings Building & Civil Engineering remains a leading presence in the region’s coastal defence sector—particularly through the supply and placement of graded rock armour for sea defence and marine applications. As climate pressures intensify along the North Wales coastline, Jennings’ high-quality, locally sourced and recycled stone positions the company at the forefront of resilient infrastructure delivery. Ourr commitment to environmental stewardship, safety, and technical precision ensures that every revetment or seawall project—whether supply-only or full placement—benefits from turnkey solutions tailored to withstand evolving coastal dynamics.
Safety Corner
Autumn Safety Starts with Proper Gear
Autumn is upon us so there are some things to be aware of as we pass into the cooler, darker months.
Cooler Autumn Temperatures
As temperatures dip, it’s wise to make sure your clothing is suitable for the cooler weather but also allows people to move freely and comfortably. Layer up but don’t forget the essentials: a hard hat, gloves, and safety boots are still a must, rain or shine!
Changes in weather and working conditions
With leaves falling and wet weather changes, it’s easy to slip on wet or uneven surfaces. Take extra care on pathways and steps, and make sure walkways are clear of leaves, water, mud and anything that might cause a fall.
Darker days
Autumm means days get shorter and weather can be unpredictable. That means visibility on site can be trickier, especially during early mornings or late afternoons. Which is why it is important to make sure you’re wearing reflective gear and lighting up the area properly.
by Jennings BCE | Jul 16, 2025 | Jennings News
In This Issue:
• Project Spotlight: Chester Zoo
• Industry Insights
• Safety Corner
Project Spotlight: Chester Zoo Reserve Car Park
Chester Zoo, Chester
Client: North of England Zoological Society
Completion Date: 11th July 2025
This month we completed our works on the brand-new Reserve Car Park at Chester Zoo. Jennings were engaged by the North of England Zoological Society at Chester Zoo to construct and provide a new overnight parking facility for a new Reserve Project. This will allow people to spend the night in a luxury overnight lodge and have unique wildlife experiences alongside expert conservationists.
Jennings were honoured to be invited along to help create a part of this project, the first time we’ve had the pleasure of working alongside N.E.Z.S, and we look forward to being on site together again.
The works included Earthworks, Drainage, Ducting, Kerbing, Surfacing and Landscaping, creating a nice fresh space ready to welcome visitors this summer.
Industry Insights: The Rise of Sustainable Infrastructure: The Visual Impact Provision Project
National Grid have planned a £35 billion upgrade across England & Wales, supported by Ofgem, which will enhance the capacity for renewables and industrial electrification – benefiting infrastructure in North Wales.
Snowdonia was identified by an independent landscape study as having landscape impacts of very high importance. This is a complex and dramatic landscape which provides a transition between the popular tourist coastline of the Snowdonia National Park and the adjacent upland areas.
The existing overhead line conflicts with the character of the landscape, forming a highly visible intrusive feature which has a significant impact on the landscape surrounding it.
Jennings was selected to work alongside Hochtief as part of this massive upgrade project, and so far, Jennings have excavated over 7,000m3 of earth to a depth of 13m deep for the TBM launch pit at Garth, (pictured above). And removed 120,000t of rock and soil arisings from the 3km long Garth tunnel and the 60m deep Cilfor reception shaft. An added environmental bonus is that the material taken away will be used as recycled aggregate products and restoration material.
Safety Corner
WORKING SAFELY IN THE HEAT
The summer is definitely here, but with it is the increase in temperature. Which can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Site heat safety is critical to keeping everyone healthy and productive.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to:
Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea.
Heat Stroke No sweating, confusion, high body temperature.
Which is why we’re doing everything we can to ensure our staff have first aid training which helps spot signs of heat-related illness, and all our workers have regular hydration and rest breaks in the cool and the shade.
Tips & Reminders:
- Hydrate Frequently
Drink water every 15 – 20 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid caffeine and energy drinks.
- Dress for the Weather
Wear lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing. Use a wide-brimmed hat and UV-rated sunglasses where appropriate.
- Take Breaks in the Shade
Set up rest areas out of direct sun. Use tents, tarps, or vehicles with A/C for cool-down breaks
by Jennings BCE | Aug 1, 2019 | Jennings News
Following the successful construction of the original REnescience scheme in Northiwich, Cheshire. Jennings were approached directly by Orsted (formally DONG Energy) to undertake the civils element of the extension works to house supplementary equipment for the existing waste to energy site. We worked alongside processes contractor, Colbalt Energy to deliver this scheme for the Client.
As anticipated, the reclamation of the brown field site proved very challenging. Specialist techniques were used to discover and remove buried obstructions for the proposed Vibro Stone Columns used to stabilise the site. Obstructions varied in depth from 1 – 4m, ranging from large redundant reinforced concrete bases to a brick culvert system which covered approx. 500m2 of the site. These were all removed successfully with no reported refusals for the VSC which covered 1,700m2. With over 1,200m3 of hazardous and 3,000m3 of non-hazardous excavated material to dispose of, on-site stockpiling strategies needed to be followed strictly on a live site where space was at a premium. All the above co-ordinated with the diversion of over 1,000m of existing services.
With a tight milestone programme in place, Jennings were successful in the handover of the Extension ground floor slabs which were cast in the thick of winter adding difficulty to the build. The overseas arrival of equipment to be housed within the Reactor and Sorting Hall was dependant on the ground floor slabs being in place with sufficient curing time.
A new surface water drainage network was installed, including a ‘back up’ attenuation system, to suit the proposed extension layout along with the reconfiguration of over 3,000m2 of reinforced concrete hardstanding. All this while maintaining the fluidity of the operations team operating the waste to energy plant.
With our motivated and expert level team, industry knowledge and vast experience, Jennings were able to complete the project in line with milestones set in the contract. Ultimately, to the satisfaction of our Client.
We’d like to thank Orsted for this valued opportunity to work for them once again.
by Jennings BCE | Apr 3, 2019 | Jennings News
The March safety award goes to two operatives from Jennings, Rhidian and Harry.
Recipients of the March Safety Award – Rhidian (left) and Harry (right)
Rhidian is recognised for his banksmans role during a very difficult excavation and install from the main electrical sub station on the base to the new medical centre during which time many services known and unknown were uncovered and crossed without any damage. It goes without saying how important it is to ensure live services are not damaged and particularly difficult when they are unknown and even more so when working on an operational air base so well done Rhidian (and also thankyou to absent excavator drivers). Rhidian, as a young person at the start of his career, displays an excellent attitude to safety and hopefully he will take this with him as he progresses.
Harry is recognised and thanked as the most improved for his efforts in maintaining a good health and safety attitude during his time on a Galliford site. Not once have I had to ask him to put on PPE both task specific and general which can become quite a headache at times and distracting from other issues managers have to deal with. Once again many thanks.
