Mackley

01/09/2026

We work in a variety of environments from rural and coastal to central London. The latter was the site for some scour protection works earlier in the year on behalf of City of London Corporation.

Following the partial failure of the campshed retaining wall adjacent to Riverbank House, the bed level in front of the existing flood defence wall had fallen significantly. The team successfully reinstated the foreshore to its original level through the construction of a sloped revetment formed from imported granular fill, rock bags and mattresses, helping to restore protection to the frontage.

There were, of course, a couple of complications but we relish a challenge!

The riverside is a busy public walkway, so it was not possible to set up any sort of compound or storage there. Setting up on the riverbed was also a no-go, and finally, we couldn’t raise and lower the plant we needed at each tide because that involved bigger plant movements in the area that we were trying to avoid. Instead, we opted for a marine based solution and used a flat-top barge, spudded into the foreshore to house the plant and welfare. This had a ramp to the foreshore that enabled easy access for the excavators when the tide allowed. Materials were delivered to site by multicat work boats from our compound by the O2 in Greenwich, the aggregate was delivered by a split hopper barge and discharged at high tide.

Beyond restoration and protection, the project also created environmental benefits through the installation of Vertipools, helping to boost biodiversity and encourage marine life along the river wall.

All this resulted in zero disturbance for the busy people of London and another happy client!

https://mackley.co.uk/

27/08/2026

We're delighted to reach another milestone on site as the scaffolding comes down from the lift at Madeira Terrace, providing us with our first full view of the spectacular new roof and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.

The metalwork is already beginning to develop its natural patina, adding to the character of this impressive structure. With the external works revealing more of the finished building, our focus is now turning to the next stage: installing the lift itself including the running rails and an oil tank for the hydraulic ram.

We’ve been delivering complex civil engineering projects since 1927, drawing on a wealth of experience working on and around historic structures. Projects like this showcase our specialist engineering expertise, careful workmanship and problem-solving skills that are at the heart of what we do.

It’s fantastic to see this project progressing and another important piece of the puzzle falling into place.

25/08/2026

📣 Mackley Secures Allington Sluice Upgrade Contract for the Environment Agency 📣

Earlier this year, Mackley was awarded a contract by the Environment Agency to lead essential upgrade works at Allington Sluice on the River Medway in Kent – a project we were particularly pleased to win, given its proximity of our newly refurbished Kent office in Allington.

Allington Sluice is a key water-control structure on the River Medway, regulating river flows and maintaining water levels for navigation upstream. Beyond the sluice, the river becomes tidal. The structure, comprising three vertical steel gates, was originally constructed in 1934 and remains a key Environment Agency asset.

In 2021/22, the backup drives on all three gates failed following a power failure. When the sluice was returned to operation, inspections revealed that the backup drive and retarder systems had been damaged and disengaged. As a result, the gates have been operating without a backup drive system.

Working under the Asset Operation, Maintenance and Response (AOMR) Framework, Mackley has been appointed as Principal Contractor for the design and replacement of the existing retarder backup drive system, including the installation of a new worm gearbox. The project also includes the design, testing and commissioning of a new control system compatible with the upgraded drive system.

Design works are already underway, with Mackley collaborating closely with specialist MEICA contractor Qualter, Hall & Co Limited to deliver this important upgrade.

We are delighted to be working with the Environment Agency again on such a significant project. The scheme provides another excellent opportunity to strengthen our long-standing relationship.

https://mackley.co.uk/

14/08/2026

07/08/2026

Once again, we proudly donated one of our Mackley trucks to the 35th Brighton Pride 2026 celebrations last weekend.

Our truck took to the streets as part of the Brighton & Hove Pride 2026 Parade, helping bring colour, energy and celebration to an event that champions equality, inclusion and community.

As in previous years, we donate the use of one of our vehicles, with the associated fee supporting local LGBTQ+ charities and community organisations through Pride's fundraising efforts.

Supporting the communities where we live and work is a core part of who we are, and we're delighted to play a small part to help make this incredible event possible.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising another fantastic Pride, and to our brilliant driver and team members who helped ensure everything ran smoothly on the day.

Happy Pride, Brighton! 🌈

28/07/2026

We never lose sight of the real world impact we have on the environment around us. It's why we work to the highest standards and always with the future in mind.

Widewater Lagoon is a prime example of this. A beautiful, coastal nature reserve and one of Lancing’s hidden treasures was drying up due to low rainfall and high temperatures last summer.

The local residents and environmental group found this was exacerbated by damage to the mitigation pipe that feeds the Lagoon, which was having a devastating impact on the local wildlife population.

Through our work with the Environment Agency, we were able to identify the source of the problem, facilitate short and long term solutions and preserve this important habitat for the future.

We are proud of the impact our work has on the communities and wildlife we seek to preserve for years to come.

https://mackley.co.uk/

24/07/2026

🏖️ Looking after local residents is always important to us, so receiving positive feedback from the community is especially rewarding.

Our parent company, Van Oord UK Ltd, is currently delivering Phase 2 of the Brighton Marina to River Adur Coastal Scheme and will soon begin the shingle recharge element of the project. Over the past six months, Mackley has been constructing the new timber groynes along the coastline in preparation.

When our friendly local neighbour, Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim), asked whether he could make use of some timber off-cuts from the works, we were only too happy to oblige. He even shared this fantastic message with the team as he prepared for his Big Beach Boutique show over the weekend.

A huge thank you to Mr Cook, we're delighted to hear you're a fan of our groynes! 😊

21/07/2026

Mackley’s continued growth and success over the years have been driven by our commitment to adaptation and innovation.

We hold true to our values as a trusted, reliable and expert partner to our clients, collaborators and supplier network. With integrity at the heart of everything we do, we believe in getting the job done well and getting it right the first time.

From complex marine civil engineering projects to sustainable, long-lasting infrastructure, we deliver solutions that stand the test of time and create meaningful, life-enhancing outcomes for the communities we serve.

We are proud of our long heritage and even more excited about the future we're building.

Find out more about how you can be part of our journey 👀👇

https://mackley.co.uk/