Adjacent to Network Rail Viaduct this retail project comprises four storeys above ground and three storeys below ground. The ‘prow’ of the building is hung from the roof via a tree structure, creating a landmark feature. The client’s brief called for no internal columns and long spans to suit the retail use. The tight access to the site prevented the use of steelwork for the long span floors. We utilised a concrete portal & oval columns were used to give a slim edge profile. The basement was constructed by top-down construction. This minimised the movements of the adjacent rail viaduct and saved on programme, allowing the ground floor to be returned to retail use, whilst the structures above and below were completed. The top down construction was achieved by the use of ‘plunged stanchions’ into large diameter piles. A ‘grade 3’ basement was achieved with a concrete liner and drained cavity.