First Bus Halifax Depot Redevelopment
CLIENT
First Bus
VALUE
£1.1M
DURATION
7 Months
STEP ONE
What was the brief?
First Bus engaged Octane Construction to deliver a complete redevelopment of their Halifax operational site. The existing infrastructure had become outdated and no longer aligned with the operational and environmental standards required for a modern fleet depot. The project involved multiple complex elements, including the demolition of legacy buildings, safe removal and reinstallation of essential fuelling systems, and the construction of new facilities to support efficient vehicle maintenance and refuelling.
A critical requirement was to complete the works with minimal disruption to fleet operations, while ensuring full compliance with environmental legislation, waste management regulations, and health and safety protocols.
STEP TWO
What did Octane do?
Octane Construction acted as Principal Contractor, managing and delivering all aspects of the redevelopment through a carefully phased programme. Our scope included:
- Refurbishment & Demolition Survey: A comprehensive R&D survey was undertaken to assess the condition of the site and to identify any hazardous materials, including asbestos, to ensure all risks were accounted for before demolition commenced.
- Demolition of Skircoat Depot: The existing depot was decommissioned and demolished under strict safety and environmental guidelines. This included full disconnection of live services, licensed asbestos removal, and the segregation and responsible disposal of waste materials.
- Fuel Tank Relocation & Reinstallation: Octane managed the safe removal, transport, and reinstallation of the fuel system to the Elmwood Depot. The work was delivered seamlessly, allowing First Bus to maintain fuelling operations with minimal disruption.
- External Works: New heavy-duty concrete yards were installed, designed to withstand the ongoing demands of fleet traffic. A reinforced retaining wall was also constructed to support the long-term structural integrity of the site.
- New Bus Wash & Fuelling Facility: A fully modernised vehicle wash and fuelling station was built to improve service efficiency and environmental performance, helping First Bus meet stringent sustainability goals.
STEP THREE
What was the result?
The Halifax depot has been successfully redeveloped into a modern, future-ready transport facility. Delivered on time and within budget, the upgraded site now supports smoother daily operations, improved vehicle servicing, and reduced environmental impact—aligning with First Bus’s long-term sustainability objectives. Key infrastructure, including refuelling and wash facilities, was upgraded with minimal disruption to active fleet services.
Octane’s proactive planning, phased delivery, and strong communication ensured the project progressed safely and efficiently. Reinforced yards, improved traffic flow, and compliant installations have resulted in a robust depot that meets today’s operational needs and is built to support continued growth in the years ahead.
We will bring your vision to life!
Chris Quinn
MANAGING DIRECTOR