Perses was appointed by Tata Steel UK as Demolition Consultant and Principal Designer (PD) for the decommissioning and demolition of the Llanwern Steelworks, located east of Newport, South Wales.

The Llanwern site was historically significant, being home to the first oxygen-blown integrated steelworks in Britain when it opened in 1962. It also pioneered the first successful use of computer-controlled hot strip milling, marking it as one of the most advanced facilities of its time. The project involved the decommissioning of a lower-tier COMAH site, requiring meticulous planning and oversight to manage both legacy hazards and modern compliance requirements.

Perses delivered comprehensive consultancy, compliance, and on-site safety management throughout the project lifecycle. Our role included:

Strategic and Technical Advisory

• Developed the decommissioning strategy, demolition sequencing, and safe methods of work for each project phase.
• Assisted in preparing the demolition specification to guide tendering contractors.

Contractor Procurement Support

• Supported the client in preparing the tender list and attended pre-appointment meetings.
• Reviewed contractor submissions, providing structured feedback and ranking bidders based solely on technical quality.
• Chaired a high-risk package review meeting with the appointed contractor and client prior to project commencement, focusing on site-specific risks.

Pre-Construction Information and Hazard Identification

• Produced the Pre-Construction Information (PCI) pack.
• Developed demolition-specific Designer Key Hazards to highlight unusual or site-specific risks to ensure contractors were fully informed before mobilisation.

Documentation Oversight

• Reviewed and continually provided commentary on the contractor’s Construction Phase Plan (CPP), Risk Assessments, and Method Statements (RAMS).
• Issued structured reports to ensure documentation remained current, compliant, and site-specific.

CDM Compliance and Auditing

• Conducted a pre-start CDM compliance audit and report.
• Delivered monthly audits throughout the project, monitoring progress and compliance against RAMS and statutory duties.
• Undertook a completion audit and ensured the preparation and handover of the Health & Safety File.

On-Site Oversight

• Maintained a full-time on-site team to monitor demolition operations, ensuring strict adherence to RAMS and the highest standards of safety throughout.

Outcome

Through rigorous planning, robust compliance oversight, and continuous on-site presence, Perses ensured the safe and efficient decommissioning of Llanwern Steelworks. Despite the scale and historical complexity of the facility, the works were delivered to the highest standards of safety and compliance, with complete alignment to CDM 2015 regulations.

The project not only marked the closure of a site of major industrial heritage but also demonstrated Perses’ capability to manage large-scale, high-risk COMAH decommissioning projects from strategy through to final audit and handover.

• Development of the demolition specification
• Carry out a consultation on the tender list
• Create the Designer Risk Register
• Produce the Pre-Construction Information
• Produce the Designer Key Hazards
• Provide feedback on the returned tenders
• Attend the bid meetings and provide feedback on the submissions.
• Attend the optioneering meeting between the HSE, the client and the winning contractors
• Review and comment on the Construction Phase Plans.
• Review and comment on the Risk Assessments and Method Statement and issue a report.
• Provide a full-time on-site project management team
• Attend the blowdown stakeholder meetings
• Carry out the contingency planning workshops with all the stakeholders
• Attend the blowdown events
• Ensure the completion of the Health & Safety File.