News on HS2 in Camden

As part of developing the route of the HS2 high speed railway, we are carrying out ground investigation surveys. This includes up to two  trial holes and a borehole within the London Zoo Gloucester Slips Car Park. These works are due to start on 30 January and will continue until 10 March.

The work will be carried out on our behalf by Thames Water, as we will be conducting a Ground Investigation survey with a view to diverting an existing 42” trunk water main through this area. This will require us to dig two trial holes in the south-east end of the car park and in the surrounding planted area.

All work will comply with Section 61 of the Control of the Pollution Act 1974, which places restrictions on noisy works. We will erect temporary screening around each trial hole, clad with acoustic blankets to keep noise to a minimum.

Our contractor will work as quickly as they can, avoid unnecessary noise and keep the area tidy.

In order to make space for the trial holes, we will remove nine trees and prune three trees that border the car park. These works have been discussed and agreed with the Zoo and Royal Parks.

Once work is complete, our contractor will restore the area as soon as possible, and reinstate the car park surface and the surrounding soft ground. Replacement trees will be selected to achieve a close resemblance to the original trees and replaced at the same location, where reasonably practicable, following the completion of the water main diversion works. This will be no later than December 2018.