Cardiff Arena - Enabling Works

Client: Confidential (Major Commercial Developer)
Sector: Large-Scale Commercial / Entertainment

Project Overview

Provectus is delivering a comprehensive package of remediation and enabling works for the Cardiff Arena development, one of the UK’s most ambitious leisure and entertainment projects. The works involve transforming a complex brownfield site into a safe, development-ready platform capable of supporting major structures and associated infrastructure.

This nationally significant regeneration scheme will provide a new arena and entertainment district for Cardiff, delivering both economic and community benefits.

Key Challenges

Diversion and integration of existing utilities infrastructure.
Complex ground conditions requiring tailored cut & fill earthworks.
Design and installation of robust piling platforms.
Management of subsurface obstructions and UXO risks.
Sustainable waste classification, treatment, and disposal, minimising landfill volumes.

Our Approach

Provectus developed a fully integrated remediation and enabling works package, combining:

Utilities, drainage, and service diversions designed and delivered early to avoid downstream delays.
Piling mats designed and constructed to support heavy foundation plant.
Pile probing and obstruction clearance to de-risk foundation installation.
UXO mitigation and clearance in high-risk zones.
Cut & fill earthworks balancing material on site where possible to reduce imports/exports.
Drone surveys and 3D modelling to capture accurate data, improve design sequencing, and support logistics planning.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

We worked closely with the client, design team, local authority, and utility providers to ensure seamless delivery. Regular coordination workshops allowed us to identify risks early, align programme milestones, and secure required approvals without delay.

This collaborative approach ensured that enabling works were fully integrated with the wider construction programme, supporting the arena’s critical delivery timeline.

Social Value & Community Benefits

Local employment: Engaging local subcontractors and providing opportunities for apprenticeships and training.
Carbon reduction: Minimising offsite vehicle movements by maximising on-site material reuse and optimising logistics planning.
Community impact: Supporting the regeneration of a key city-centre site, unlocking long-term economic and cultural benefits for Cardiff.

Key Numbers

Outcomes

Delivered a safe, compliant, and level platform ready for piling and superstructure works.
Reduced carbon footprint and improved programme efficiency through waste minimisation and logistics optimisation.
Supported a landmark regeneration scheme, with measurable social and community value.
Seamless collaboration with the client and stakeholders ensured that enabling works aligned with the arena’s construction programme.