Case Study / Waterproofing

Watney Market, Deck Waterproofing

Market concourse and the underground carpark improvements

The refurbishment of Watney Market, initiated in January 2024, encompasses several significant enhancements to both the market concourse and the underground carpark. These improvements, organised by Tower Hamlets Council, aim to ensure that Watney Market complies with stringent health and safety standards as well as statutory building regulations.

We are proud to announce that MacLennan has been entrusted with the critical task of applying our PolyM liquid waterproofing to the deck area, which spans the entire length of the market. After a thorough site visit, our surveyor recommended a hand-applied liquid system for the waterproofing because it is seamless, robust and elastomeric.

This approach was considered the most suitable due to the logistical complexities and variable risk factors associated with the site.

Method

Before applying our waterproofing solution, our team meticulously prepared the deck area above the underground car park. This involved grinding the concrete surface stripping off laitance and contaminates and applying a primer, a crucial step that paves the way for the application of our advanced PolyM deck waterproofing system.

Following its installation, along with the addition of a deck drain drainage system, the the client was able to install paving and tarmac over for their final finishing.

Throughout the installation process, we conducted weather checks and integrity tests to ensure there were no defects in the finished coating. However, we encountered a few challenges due to the project’s location in a busy working marketplace, which features vendor shops along the sides and a weekly market down the middle.

Additionally, unseasonal heavy rain for days on end posed significant challenges. Although our PolyM liquid waterproofing solution can be applied in cold and damp weather conditions unlike most systems, it is not possible to install any waterproofing system during or directly after rainfall, we recommend that the client provide shelter over decks when rain is forecast but this was not possible given the size of the marketplace.

Our site management team used their many years of experience with similar projects to manage the situation. We kept the client informed throughout the process. It is also important to note that the temperature needs to be above 5°C and rising to apply the coatings effectively.

Result

Despite the challenges posed by inclement weather and access difficulties, our dedicated technicians worked diligently to ensure minimal disruption to the open shops and market stalls. Their commitment and expertise have been pivotal in maintaining the project’s momentum and quality.

Every phase of the project, from the initial design to the final installation, is backed by MacLennan’s robust £10 million professional indemnity cover. This comprehensive coverage underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable solutions and provides our clients with peace of mind throughout the project.

MacLennan take the risk out of waterproofing

History

"In 1881, John James Sainsbury purchased 68 Watney Street to expand the retail business he began in 1869 (now known as UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's). The property was acquired from his brother-in-law, Edward Staples, who was already operating it as a food store for dockers based in the East End of London....

By 1902, there were over 100 shops and 100 stalls in the market and this more than doubled after the First World War. In the 1920s, space to trade on the street was in high demand with records showing that 1927 saw 227 traders applying for the 200 available pitches in the area."