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< Back Expert Witness Reports Rate £123/hr Contact Us Now An Expert Witness is sometimes required when it is necessary to have opinion evidence to assist with the resolution of a disputed case. An Expert Witness may be involved in court proceedings and be requested to give evidence. It is often beneficial to agree and appoint a single joint expert by all involved parties to provide an unbiased opinion on the issue of proceedings. That said, it is possible for an Expert Witness to be appointed by only one party, although they are still required to act impartially. The primary purpose of an Expert Witness is to provide an independent expert opinion on the case at hand based on the information presented to them for review. At SGL we strive to provide impartial and fair advice on matters within our expertise. Should we be appointed as an expert witness we would: · Provide our independent impartial opinion of the subject matter at hand within our expertise. · Provide the opinion in the form of a report, evidence or calculation before a court or other tribunal as is necessary. We would not: · Provide or state opinion beyond our area of expertise. · Accept any appointment which may be in conflict of interest. · Accept appointment subject to the conditional outcome of a particular case. · Act as a mediator or negotiator between parties. · Provide advice to either side. · Advocate or argue the clients case nor advice what the case should contain. · Accept any form of bribe or portray information in a way that unfairly favours either party. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Whitehall Riverside A transformative £280 million mixed-use development in central Leeds, featuring 500 Build-to-Rent apartments across two towers (15 and 18 storeys), 253,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, a 108-bed hotel, and a 478-space multi-storey car park. Overview End Client: Whitehall Riverside Client: Dearneside Fabrications Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire Whitehall Riverside is an ambitious waterfront development situated in the heart of Leeds, transforming a key riverside location into a vibrant mixed-use quarter. The scheme combines premium residential units, commercial spaces, and leisure facilities, all within a thoughtfully master planned setting. Shepherd Gilmour was appointed to undertake the detailed structural design of multiple specialist elements across the development. Our scope included external aluminium balustrades and a striking internal feature stair—both designed to the highest standards of safety, durability, and architectural refinement. Visit the development website ➝ Our Role Aluminium Balustrades We were responsible for the detailed structural design of the lightweight aluminium balustrades installed on the external terraces across several buildings. These elements were critical to both the safety and visual coherence of the development. Full design to the Aluminium Eurocode (BS EN 1999): Every extruded and rolled component was meticulously checked, down to the individual fixings, ensuring full compliance with structural loading and durability standards. Terrace and slab edge fixings: Our scope included detailing top-fix balustrades and slab-fixing brackets, tailored to suit the varying edge conditions of the floorplates. Architectural intent preserved: Working closely with the fabricator, we developed connection details that respected the slimline visual aesthetic desired by the project architect, without compromising performance. Feature Stair: A Lobby Centrepiece In the heart of the primary commercial entrance, we engineered a bespoke lightweight steel feature stair. This elegant structure provides a dramatic focal point to the building’s main lobby, with its slender geometry and clean lines offering a contemporary aesthetic aligned with the overall design vision. Minimal visual weight: The stair’s steel frame was designed to deliver both strength and transparency, offering an open feel without the need for bulky structural supports. Integrated coordination: Our team worked closely with the architectural and interior design teams to ensure the stair interfaced seamlessly with floor finishes, soffits, and lighting. Challenges and Solutions Designing in accordance with BS EN 1999 (Eurocode 9) presented a number of unique challenges, particularly around ensuring durability of exposed fixings and anchorage zones in potentially harsh environmental conditions. These were addressed through careful detailing and selection of materials. The feature stair demanded particularly tight fabrication tolerances. We collaborated with the steel fabricator from early design stages to ensure manufacturability without sacrificing the high-end finish expected by the client team. In one area, the balustrade required offsetting from a slab edge, which necessitated a stiffened connection to mitigate rotation which could otherwise have resulted in unwanted deflection in the balustrade. The image below demonstrates intricate localised Finite Element Analysis in one of the highly loaded and constrained areas. By employing industry leading techniques, we were able to calculate not only the strength of the connection, but its stiffness and hence the impact on the overall balustrade design. Project Reflection Although one of our smaller scale projects, it is always rewarding to see developments taking shape, particularly when they are a short walk from our head office. This project highlights our ability to deliver finely detailed, regulation-compliant design work that supports architectural vision, whether for façade components or standout interior elements. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Medway Maritime Hospital £11.5m Emergency Department Building at Medway Maritime Hospital. Medway Maritime Hospital expanded its premises with a new emergency department building which opened its doors on 8th November 2018 to admit new patients, two years after construction began in 2016. The new building houses state of the art facilities which shall support the NHS trusts emergency department team to enable them to deliver the best care to their patients. The department building spans over three floors and cost a total of £11.5m to complete. The building formed part of a wider scheme which encompasses existing building refurbishment with an estimated total of £21m. The new emergency department houses seven new resuscitation bays, as well as dedicated bays for paediatric patients and rapid assessment. Furthermore, there are four ‘majors’ bays used to treat walk-ins and ambulance patients which brings to overall capacity of the department to 16 bays. SGL were responsible for the civil engineering design works of the new department building, including foundation design, drainage and superstructure. In tandem with the other responsible parties, SGL were able to deliver the design package on time and in a way which met the needs of the trust. SGL were also attentive on site during the construction phase to assist with site queries and concerns which ultimately led to the overall delivery of a successful project. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Heavy Industrial Our heavy industry team have a wealth of experience designing conveyor systems, cranes, processing towers, chimneys, masts and shipyard loading/unloading systems to name a few. Our team here at SGL are experienced in a wide range of projects, some of which have an extensive background in the heavy industry sector as well as the offshore energy sector. By bearing on our broad and specialist experience, along with the use of our industry leading software capabilities we are able to offer a service beyond that of our competition. We are familiar with the robust requirements of this sector but recognise the ever growing need to provide more cost effective and sustainable designs. We are experienced and familiar with the various load requirements typical of structures which support industrial equipment, whether that be belt tensions, drive drum torques or dynamic loads as well as thermal differential loads. With this knowledge an expertise, we are able to provide safe and effective designs, minimising risk of unknowns. Whether it be quarries, material handling facilities, chemical processing plants, recycling centres or ship unloading facilities we are able to bring our expertise to the table in assisting you to fulfil your project aspirations. We can offer guidance, structural surveys, design calculations & CAD drawings as well as BIM models. We also offer detailed fabrication drawings as part of our overall package, complete with material & bolt schedules should these be required. We have worked on projects as simple as a single conveyor system, through to multi billion pound projects involving a number of sites with tens of conveyors, processing platforms, and transfer towers. Previous Next

< Back BP Cromwell Road - EV Hub A new BP Pulse EV charging & convenience hub in Hammersmith London, featuring five ultra-fast BP Pulse 300kW chargers, complimented by a modern contemporary convenience store featuring a M&S Food outlet and Wild Bean Cafe. End Client: BP Pulse Architect: MBH Studios Principal Contractor & Client: NG Bailey Project Overview The BP Cromwell Road EV Hub in Hammersmith, London, marks a significant transformation from a traditional petrol station to a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) charging and convenience centre. This redevelopment aligns with BP's strategy to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles and enhance customer experience by integrating high-speed charging facilities with modern retail offerings. Project Construction Timelapse (Courtesy of NG Bailey) Project Scope and Objectives The primary objective was to repurpose the existing fuel station into BP's first dedicated EV charging and convenience hub. The project aimed to install ultra-fast charging infrastructure capable of accommodating multiple vehicles simultaneously and to upgrade the on-site retail amenities to cater specifically to the needs of EV drivers. Design and Engineering Contributions by Shepherd Gilmour Shepherd Gilmour (SGL) was appointed as the lead Civil and Structural Designers, collaborating with NG Bailey, the Principal Contractor. SGL's comprehensive contributions included: Site Investigation Services : Conducted full Stage 2 site investigations of the complex historic site to assess ground conditions, informing the design and construction processes. Forecourt and Pavement Design : Developed detailed designs for the forecourt layout and specified pavement build-ups to support the new EV charging infrastructure. Drainage Design : Engineered an effective drainage system, liaising with Thames Water to establish a suitable drainage strategy for the site. Swept Path Analysis : Performed analyses to ensure that vehicle movements within the site were optimised for safety and efficiency. Structural Alterations : Designed all structural modifications to the main kiosk building, including foundation designs to support the new configurations. All deliverables were meticulously prepared as professional calculations, reports, and CAD drawings, adhering to the project's Building Information Modelling (BIM) specifications in line with ISO 19650 standards. Construction and Implementation NG Bailey oversaw the construction phase, with ad-hoc civil & structural design liaison with SGL where required, which involved: Decommissioning of Fuel Infrastructure : Safely removed existing petrol pumps and associated equipment to make way for the new EV charging units. Installation of EV Chargers : Installed five ultra-fast BP Pulse 300kW chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously, allowing for up to ten EVs to charge at once. Canopies were erected over the chargers to provide protection and enhance user experience. Retail Unit Expansion and Fit-Out : Extended and refurbished the existing retail space to incorporate an upgraded Wild Bean Café and an M&S Food outlet, offering a variety of freshly made food and beverages tailored to EV drivers. Canopy Construction : Erected new canopies over the charging stations to provide shelter and improve the aesthetic appeal of the site. Design Challenges Overcome The project presented several challenges, notably the transition from a traditional fuel station to an EV-centric facility on a constrained site. Due to boundary constraints, careful consideration was given to working alongside the party walls to adjacent properties, ensuring compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This required careful planning to safely decommission legacy fuel systems and integrate high-power electrical infrastructure. SGL's thorough site investigations and detailed design work were instrumental in addressing these challenges safely, ensuring that the new structures and systems were seamlessly incorporated into the existing site framework. Community Impact The successful completion of the BP Cromwell Road EV Hub has established a benchmark for future EV infrastructure projects. The facility not only provides rapid charging solutions but also enhances the customer experience through its modern retail offerings. This development supports the increasing demand for EV infrastructure in London and contributes to the broader goal of promoting sustainable transportation solutions. BP Pulse - Charging Hub Conclusion Shepherd Gilmour's diverse expertise in civil and structural engineering design, alongside NG Baileys construction leadership played a pivotal role in the transformation of BP's Cromwell Road site into a premier EV charging hub. The project's success underscores the importance of integrated design and engineering solutions in the evolution of urban infrastructure to meet the needs of emerging technologies and sustainability objectives. Project Gallery Previous Next

Explore Shepherd Gilmour for nationwide services, including inspections, surveys, and international design services. Areas Served We provide international design services throughout Europe and beyond. For on site services, our engineers operate within service zones A, B & C as indicated on our service area map below. Make an Enquiry Zone A Domestic and Commercial Surveys, Inspections & Site Support. Typically charged on an hourly rate. Zone B Large domestic and Commercial Surveys, Inspections & Site Support. Typically charged on a day rate. Zone C Commercial Surveys, Inspections & Site Support. By prior agreement only. Typically charged on a day rate. At Shepherd Gilmour, we provide design consultancy services to both the domestic and commercial sectors throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. We are experienced in designing structures to suit their respective environment, understanding the changes in requirements based on the local environment and its indended use and design life. Our engineers are primarily based in the North of England throughout Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. As such we offer structural surveys, inspections and construction supervision services to clients within Zones A and B. We also offer these services in Zones C and beyond subject to prior agreement.

< Back New Building Design We work with a number of high profile clients to provide complete structural design of new buildings. These typically include television studios, hospital wings, schools & apartment blocks as well as warehouse and storage facilities. Our team at SGL are able to provide complete building design, from conception through to completion. We have experience working on both traditional and design and build contracts. Our team are proactive and liaise with other parties at all key stages of a project to coordinate the best solution for the client. Through our teams knowledge and experience and by employing our powerful suite of industry leading design software, we are able to offer a complete design solution to clients, from foundations, to superstructure and detailing. To see some of our recent projects, visit our projects page. Previous Next

< Back Bradford Royal Infirmary £22m Ward Block. The Bradford Royal Infirmary appointed BAM as the principle contractor of the works to deliver a £20m+ scheme in a tight environment to delivery a three storey ward block with a new critical care unit and on site parking. During construction, the site was betwixt live hospital buildings and it was critical the building could be constructed quickly and with minimal disruption to the surrounding buildings. The main structure consisted of a braced steelwork frame upon reinforced concrete footings, cast atop sandstone bedrock. NG Bailey the M&E contractor provided prefabricated service modules to reduce site works and expediate the installation. The project was completed in 2017 with minimal disruption to existing adjacent departments and is currently being used by new patients. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Building Service Supports Our building services team have worked on a large range of projects both large and small. We can provide a unique service including seismic and fire design of support systems as well as suspended equipment in nuclear facilities. SGL have supported hundreds of multi million pound Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (ME&P) installations across the UK and Europe over the last 20+ years. We specialise in providing fast turn around efficient service support designs to our clients. By engaging with the ME&P contractor early in the design process we are able to offer our guidance and expertise to influence the design and layout of the installations to ensure they are carried out in the most cost effective and efficient way. This proactive approach results in cost and time savings, as well as often resulting in a more simplistic design, thereby reducing the risk of unforeseen complications. We specialise in fire design of service supports as well as seismic design. Fire design often involves an element of testing to be carried out where light weight support systems such as Unistrut or similar are to be used. Seismic design is usually determined based on the performance requirements of the building as set out in the client specification in accordance with EC8. Typically, services are restrained from seismic loading by way of cable braced systems or rigid bracing; sometimes isolation & movement joints may also be used or required. Ground mounted equipment is often restrained by the use of “snubbers” or “bumpers” to limit movement of equipment. Previous Next

< Back The Brentford Project A transformative 4.79-hectare development in West London, set to deliver 876 new homes and approximately 14,000 square meters of retail space. The project is expected to complete in 2027. Client: Dearneside Fabrications Developer: Ballymore Group The Brentford Project , a landmark development by Ballymore Group, is redefining West London’s waterfront with a vibrant mix of residential, retail, and leisure spaces. Shepherd Gilmour (SG) was privileged to contribute to this transformative project, bringing our structural design expertise to bear as a Designer under the CDM 2015 regulations. Proactive Design for Exceptional Results Working alongside our client, Dearneside Fabrications, and consultants, OCSC, SG adopted a proactive and collaborative approach to design. Our commitment to efficiency and diligence ensured seamless compatibility with other designers and contractors involved in the project. Leveraging code-driven design principles, we utilised Eurocodes, BS 8579:2020, and BS 6180 to ensure compliance, safety, and efficiency in every aspect of our work. We went beyond the brief, identifying opportunities to refine concept designs, such as improving the detailing of connections and tie rods to stiffen the balconies with minimal steel weight penalty. Additionally, by employing advanced parametric modelling and finite element analysis, we optimised steel thicknesses, increasing it only where necessary. These improvements led to significant time and cost savings without compromising quality or aesthetics, and they were embraced by the project team, demonstrating our ability to add tangible value. Scope of Design Responsibilities Our comprehensive design responsibilities included: Balcony Packages: Designing balcony structures for several apartment blocks across the site, featuring large cantilever projections exceeding 5 metres. Many of these balconies were bespoke, adding unique character to the development while adhering to BS 8579:2020 standards for balconies and terraces. Balcony Type A (Large Cantilever Projection) - Plot K Secondary Steelwork & Architectural Metalwork: Creating intricate designs for staircase structures, feature balustrades, podium steelwork, and fire barrier supports, aligning with the requirements of BS 6180 for guarding and balustrades. Bespoke Connection Details: Developing innovative solutions for moment-connected cellular beams and post-fix reinforced concrete anchorage details for various building structures across the site. Many of these connections required non-standard design approaches beyond typical "Green Book Details" due to unique constraints. Overcoming Complex Challenges A key challenge of the project was supporting the large cantilever balconies, which required careful attention to deflection performance and wind load resistance. SG addressed this through: Conducting design workshops and reviews with the client and principal designer. Utilising moment stub connections and ties to achieve the required performance. Optimising the balcony grillage to balance mass and stiffness against cost, while adhering to Eurocode guidelines for structural integrity and stability. These solutions ensured the balconies not only met stringent performance criteria but also aligned with the architect’s striking vision for the development. Balcony Type A - 1D FEA Model Deliverables and Outcome SG delivered comprehensive calculation reports, ensuring full compliance with Eurocodes, and general arrangement drawings with exceptional clarity and precision. The results speak for themselves: Smooth site works with no significant issues during construction. A finished product that exudes high-end appeal, with unique architectural elements seamlessly integrated. Balconies and steelwork that enhance the visual and functional impact of The Brentford Project. Conclusion Our involvement in The Brentford Project exemplifies SG’s ability to deliver innovative, efficient, and high-quality structural designs for complex developments. By prioritising collaboration, ingenuity, and meticulous attention to detail, we played a pivotal role in bringing Ballymore Group’s vision to life. This case study underscores our capacity to tackle demanding projects and exceed client expectations, making us a trusted partner for businesses seeking exceptional structural engineering solutions. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Battersea Power Station This £9 billion redevelopment transformed the iconic London landmark into a vibrant mixed-use destination with luxury apartments, offices, shops, and restaurants, preserving its historic architecture. Introduction Battersea Power Station, one of London’s most iconic landmarks, has undergone a transformative £9 billion redevelopment, converting the former industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use destination. As part of the project’s extensive regeneration, Shepherd Gilmour was commissioned by Dearneside Fabrications to provide specialist structural design expertise for several critical elements of the project. Working under CDM 2015 regulations, our team contributed to the successful delivery of the project between 2018 and 2022, collaborating with several teams and ensuring seamless integration of design and construction. Our Role Our primary responsibility was the detailed design of key building ancillary components, focusing on numerous feature stairs, both internal and external, walkway bridges, architectural metalwork and glazing. Shepherd Gilmour was engaged to provide innovative engineering solutions, ensuring both aesthetics and functionality were preserved while meeting the structural requirements of the redevelopment, in accordance with relevant British Standards and Eurocodes. Notable highlights of our involvement include: A Suspended Pedestrian Feature Bridge in Turbine Hall A One of the standout features of the redevelopment is the suspended pedestrian bridge in Turbine Hall A. Initially conceptualised by Buro Happold, we were tasked with delivering the detailed structural design, ensuring the bridge met the required safety and performance standards. This intricate bridge is not only a structural feat but also a striking architectural element, placed front and centre, that connects key areas of the development. Battersea Power Station - Turbine Hall A - Suspended Pedestrian Walkway Bridge Boiler House, South Atrium Feature Stair Working in close coordination with third parties, our goal was to deliver a structurally complex, but visually striking stair set. The architects vision was to provide two opposing stair sets, each with a horizontal kink, which are supported by an offset steel box section. The stair its self cantilevers from the offset spine, which delivers a bold, unique statement directly above the South Atrium to offices above. Our experienced design team employed extensive use of both linear and non-linear finite element analysis techniques, as well as industry leading footfall induced vibration analysis. This design process enabled our team to confidently deliver a design worthy of the facility in which it is installed, ensuring consistent predictable performance, without compromising the architectural vision. Service Risers While service risers may be considered less glamorous, they play a crucial role in supporting the backbone of hidden facilities which underpin the functional requirements of a complex facility such as Battersea. SG were responsible for structural design of various large service risers on site. These are essential components which house electrical and mechanical services throughout the building. These risers required detailed coordination with other building systems and architectural elements to ensure efficient integration. Additional Works In addition to the highlights noted above, Shepherd Gilmour performed over 50 additional structural design verifications of balustrades, barriers, and various building appendages. These elements, although seemingly minor, were crucial to the overall aesthetic and safety of the building and wider external development, ensuring that all architectural metalwork met the required structural performance criteria while maintaining design intent. Battersea Power Station - Turbine Hall showing Architectural Metalwork Collaboration & Coordination Our work required close collaboration with multiple project stakeholders, including the concept design team at Buro Happold, installation teams, fabricators, and architects. This coordination was essential to achieving a fully integrated and holistic design. Regular design reviews, coordination meetings, and on-site inspections undertaken by the site-team allowed us to identify and resolve potential issues early, minimising disruptions during construction. Challenges & Solutions One of the key challenges in this project was maintaining the delicate balance between preserving the historical significance of the building while incorporating modern structural and safety standards. The suspended pedestrian bridge, in particular, required creative engineering to maintain both the architectural vision and the performance specifications set out during its concept design. Additionally, the sheer complexity of the building’s architectural features demanded rigorous structural analysis and verification to ensure that all metalwork and glazing components were safe, functional, and visually coherent. Shepherd Gilmour leveraged advanced structural modelling software to simulate performance under various conditions, providing confidence in the robustness of our designs. Crucially, additional verifications were undertaken by hand to validate the modelling results. Project Outcome The successful redevelopment of Battersea Power Station stands as a testament to the importance of collaboration, detailed planning, and expert engineering. Shepherd Gilmour is immensely proud to have been involved in this landmark project, contributing our structural expertise to the revitalisation of one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Our work not only helped preserve the building’s architectural integrity but also enhanced its functionality for modern use. The completed project now serves as a bustling hub of residential, commercial, and retail activity, with our structural contributions playing a vital role in the building’s overall success. Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back GSK - Ware M2 Manufacturing Facility The GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) M2 Facility at Ware is a 6,500 sqm steel-framed manufacturing extension featuring modular plant rooms and open-plan spaces. The project used Integrated Project Delivery, ensuring efficient, GMP-compliant, and space-optimised delivery on a constrained site. End Client: GlaxoSmithKline Architect: Simons Design Our Role As structural designer for the main building and modular laboratory spaces, we worked closely with Simons Design, the project’s architectural team, to deliver a robust and adaptable structural solution. Our scope also encompassed site drainage design to support the overall infrastructure of the facility. The design was developed with a focus on flexibility, ensuring the building could accommodate future changes in use while maintaining structural safety and compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. Project Highlights A key feature of the project was the use of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), a collaborative approach to contracting that aimed to streamline workflows and reduce project timelines. This methodology allowed for faster decision-making and close collaboration among all parties, facilitating quicker delivery. The design incorporated a partial offsite modular construction strategy, with the second-floor plant room assembled in 39 modules. This offsite fabrication allowed for the quicker assembly of complex building components, significantly reducing the on-site construction time and improving overall efficiency. The modular approach also played a crucial role in maximising the use of space on a constrained site. By carefully planning the design and utilising modular elements, the project team ensured that the facility could deliver the necessary operational capacity within the available land area, without compromising the building’s long-term adaptability. The modular structures are supported within the left hand side of the building shown in the 3D model below. 3D Structural Model of Primary Steelwork In addition, the primary steelwork structure was broken down into two fundamental sections as designed, whereby the rear portion forms a structurally independent braced frame. This allowed the steelwork fabricator (BSS) to safely erect the building in two key stages. Primary building structure during two stage construction Outcome The project successfully delivered a high-specification, GMP-compliant manufacturing facility, tailored to GlaxoSmithKline’s needs. The use of offsite modular construction, integrated delivery methods, and close collaboration between all design teams resulted in an efficient and timely project delivery. The facility is now operational, providing GSK with a flexible and reliable space to support its manufacturing activities. Photograph of completed facility This project demonstrates the effectiveness of modern construction techniques, such as offsite fabrication and integrated delivery models, in meeting the challenges posed by complex and constrained sites. It also showcases Shepherd Gilmour's ability to work closely with architects and other professionals to deliver projects that are both technically sound and adaptable to future needs. For more details, you can view the project brochure , or web article by NSC Publishing here . Project Gallery Previous Next