IGS UK Symposium 2026: Brownfield Development

The housing shortage in the UK has remained a prevalent and pressing issue, prompting the need for innovative and sustainable solutions. One contributing factor to this is limited availability of land, including brownfields sites (BFS). Modern method of construction such as the offsite construction (OSC) approach has been recognised as a viable and eco-friendly solution to addressing the issue, yet its potential on brownfield site (BFS) remains largely unexplored. This presentation explores the potential of OSC for housing development on BFS.

This presentation explores how all stakeholders can maximise the beneficial reuse of contaminated soils through effective treatment, clear acceptance criteria and well-governed material management. Combining operational, commercial and technical insights, we will outline how structured governance, aligned testing and robust processes enable contractors to convert waste materials into compliant engineering resources. We will also demonstrate where geosynthetics play a critical role in improving ground performance, widening reuse options and reducing reliance on imported aggregates. Using live project experience, the session will highlight practical approaches that deliver predictable cost, programme and sustainability outcomes for brownfield developments.”

There is a perception from some that the use of “plastic” in SuDS is to be avoided because it is not “sustainable”. This presentation will dispel that myth and show that sensible use of geosynthetics in SuDS on brownfield sites can play an important role. They can reduce costs and should be considered as durable high performance materials. The presentation will provide examples of successful use and also identify common design and construction pitfalls that need to be avoided.

This presentation examines the remediation and redevelopment of the Sighthill brownfield site in Glasgow, Scotland, a major urban regeneration project constructed over historically contaminated land. The site contained extensive galligu waste and hydrocarbon-impacted soils, creating challenges related to gas control, leachate generation, chemical compatibility, and long-term containment performance.
The project required a low-permeability capping system capable of isolating approximately 700,000 m³ of buried contamination, while remaining compatible with future housing development, piled foundations, and regulatory approval. An immediate gas barrier, resistance to aggressive contaminants, and tolerance to post-installation penetrations were critical design requirements.
The presentation outlines the design approach and implementation of the Bentofix® X multi-component geosynthetic clay liner capping system, highlighting how advanced geosynthetic barriers can enable safe, durable redevelopment of complex contaminated land sites

In his presentation, Steve will explore the role of geosynthetics in gas protection and clean cover systems. The session will highlight how practical, site-specific approaches can support robust and achievable solutions for managing land quality risks in residential development

Land occupied by waste disposal sites, especially in mining regions, could be returned to the society and allow fir the sustainable development of degraded areas. Presentation will cover various examples of application where industrial wastes (predominantly coal mining wastes) were used in interaction with geosynthetics for construction of infrastructure elements.

A case study of a challenging remediation project in Northern Ireland. Coffey were brought on board to provide specialist geotechnical design of a High Strength Geotextile reinforcement over a deep contaminated lagoon with near zero strength. The solution involves a high strength geotextile being installed and then backfilled with a precise staged construction. The geotextile provides resistance to bearing failure, but more importantly it allows the excess porewater that drains out under pressure, allowing the soft soil to consolidate and gain strength.The solution has been used on multiple sites around the world, but because these sites are typically very secretive the application is not widely publicised.While the site is confidential and we wont be allowed to say too much, we can give an overview of the solution and still show selected photos of the installation. We could talk more on the complex modelling part, but it might be outside the interest level of the attendees.

In his presentation, Adam will share insights from the redevelopment of a 40-acre former industrial site in Walsall, affected by historic copper works, brickworks, deep landfill deposits and legacy coal workings. The session will demonstrate how geosynthetic-led engineering solutions were used to manage ground risk, maximise reuse of site-won materials and reduce carbon. Case study examples include reinforced embankments, reinforced earth structures, geogrid shaft caps and a geosynthetic clay liner used to cap a former landfill