Allen Court project completed to keep residents safe

The Coal Authority has finished challenging safety works in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, that involved demolishing 2 homes and repairs at a further 5 properties.

Allen Court – a former print works that was converted into a residential complex in 2014 – is one of the largest multiple-claim subsidence sites managed by the Coal Authority in recent years.

Ground movement caused by the collapse of old mine workings led to a boundary wall failure and 27 individual damage notices being submitted, including 4 outside the development.

Allen Court at the start of the project, with the flats on the right fenced off

Following extensive investigations, our engineers designed a permanent solution to keep residents safe and the project was completed in stages:

phase 1 drilling and grouting, using 180 tonnes of concrete to stabilise the immediate collapse area

purchase and demolition of 2 badly damaged homes

phase 2 drilling and grouting, using 125 tonnes of concrete to stabilise the car park area

demolition of boundary walls

phase 3 drilling and grouting, using 20 tonnes of concrete to test and confirm previous work

boundary wall reconstruction

remediation works to 5 properties

car park reconstruction

Midway through the works, after the flats had been purchased and demolished

Due to tight access and because the adjoining homes were occupied, the 2 flats were demolished by hand, ensuring the site was safe for residents to continue their daily lives with minimal disruption.

Working in collaboration with Fife Council and Historic Scotland, the distinctive boundary wall was then rebuilt by a specialist contractor, who had to heat the structure in winter to ensure the traditional lime mortar would set.

Mick Owens, principal project manager of the Public Safety and Subsidence team, said:

This was a complex and, at times, challenging project which involved many months of negotiations.

We’d like to thank the residents, MPs, MSPs, the council and all our contractors for working with us to secure such a great outcome.

The finished project, after the car park had been reconstructed, with the new boundary wall in the foreground of the picture

As part of our work to keep people safe and provide peace of mind, you can report a coal mine hazard to us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 0800 288 4242.

For media enquiries contact the community response team

200 Lichfield 4RG

Email communityresponse@coal.gov.uk

Telephone 0800 288 4211