Marlborough College Carpark Drainage Upgrade
Siteworks delivered a sustainable drainage solution for Marlborough College, addressing severe flooding and saturated ground conditions within a high-use school carpark.
The existing carpark was experiencing major surface flooding, with water reaching up to wheel height in some areas and entering nearby classrooms. Beneath the surface, ongoing water movement was also contributing to erosion under the pavement structure, creating long-term risks for the school’s infrastructure.
By installing a permeable concrete system, Siteworks provided a practical, environmentally friendly solution that eliminated surface flooding, improved site usability, and reduced reliance on traditional stormwater infrastructure.
Delivering a Long-Term Drainage Solution for Marlborough College
Marlborough College was experiencing significant drainage issues within the existing carpark.
During heavy rainfall, surface water would build up across the carpark, reaching up to wheel height in some areas and even entering nearby classrooms. The issue was not limited to visible flooding. Ongoing subsurface water movement and saturated ground conditions were also causing erosion beneath the pavement structure.
This created safety, access, and long-term maintenance concerns for the school.
Siteworks was engaged to deliver a long-term solution that would manage water more effectively, improve the usability of the carpark, and support better ground stability.
The Goal
The client needed a durable, environmentally friendly solution to manage persistent carpark flooding.
The project needed to:
- Eliminate surface water buildup across the carpark
- Improve safety and usability for staff, students, and visitors
- Address saturated ground and subsurface water movement
- Reduce the risk of erosion beneath the pavement structure
- Protect surrounding school infrastructure
- Avoid heavy reliance on traditional stormwater networks
- Provide a low-maintenance, long-term solution
The focus was on solving the underlying cause of the flooding rather than applying a short-term surface repair.
The CHALLENGE
The site presented several challenges that required careful planning and experienced delivery.
Key challenges included:
- Working within an active school environment
- Managing access and safety around students and staff
- Limited working space within a high-use carpark
- Weather variability during the works
- Saturated and unstable ground conditions
- Existing flooding severe enough to affect nearby classrooms
- The need for a solution that could manage both surface and subsurface water
The most important challenge was creating a system that could perform long term in difficult ground conditions while minimising disruption to the school.
The Siteworks Solution
Siteworks implemented a permeable concrete system designed to manage both surface water and subsurface water movement.
Unlike a traditional sealed carpark surface, permeable concrete allows water to pass through the surface into a prepared aggregate base below. From there, water can be temporarily stored and gradually infiltrate into the ground.
This approach helped reduce surface runoff, manage water more naturally, and improve the long-term performance of the carpark.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Installation of a permeable concrete surface
- Preparation of an aggregate base to support temporary water storage
- Improved infiltration to reduce surface flooding
- Better management of subsurface water movement
- Reduced reliance on traditional stormwater infrastructure
- A durable, low-maintenance finish suited to regular school use
The system was designed to create a safer, drier, and more reliable carpark while supporting a more sustainable approach to stormwater management.
The result
The completed project eliminated surface flooding across the carpark and significantly improved the usability of the area.
The new permeable concrete system now allows water to drain through the surface rather than pooling across the carpark. This has improved safety, reduced disruption during heavy rainfall, and helped protect the surrounding school infrastructure from ongoing water-related damage.
The project achieved:
- Elimination of surface flooding in the carpark
- Improved site usability during and after rainfall
- Better management of saturated ground condition
- Reduced erosion risk beneath the pavement structure
- A sustainable and low-maintenance drainage solution
- Improved long-term resilience for the school carpark
This project is a strong example of how the right civil construction solution can solve a long-standing drainage problem while delivering lasting value for a school environment.
Project Highlights
- Eliminated severe carpark flooding
- Prevented water from entering nearby classrooms
- Installed a sustainable permeable concrete system
- Improved surface and subsurface water management
- Reduced reliance on traditional stormwater infrastructure
- Improved safety and usability for the school
- Delivered a long-term, low-maintenance result
Services Used
The project involved a range of drainage and civil works services, including:
- Drainage remediation
- Permeable concrete installation
- Ground stabilisation
- Stormwater management
- Carpark drainage upgrades
- School civil works
- Surface water management
Why This Project Matters
Flooding in school carparks can quickly create safety risks, access issues, and long-term damage to surrounding infrastructure.
For Marlborough College, the issue required more than extra drainage channels or short-term repairs. The ground conditions, surface flooding, and subsurface water movement all needed to be managed together.
By using permeable concrete, Siteworks provided a smarter and more sustainable way to manage water across the site. The result is a carpark that performs better during heavy rain, requires less maintenance, and gives the school a more reliable long-term solution.
Why This Project Matters
Flooding in school carparks can quickly create safety risks, access issues, and long-term damage to surrounding infrastructure.
For Marlborough College, the issue required more than extra drainage channels or short-term repairs. The ground conditions, surface flooding, and subsurface water movement all needed to be managed together.
By using permeable concrete, Siteworks provided a smarter and more sustainable way to manage water across the site. The result is a carpark that performs better during heavy rain, requires less maintenance, and gives the school a more reliable long-term solution.
Siteworks, again, designed the solution and no one has had to dip their car lights since.
Solutions come by using the right people, who understand the issue and have the experience to know what to do.
Our Values
We Value Each Other
Each person brings their own strengths, and can be relied upon to support the team.
We Take Pride in our Work
From planning through to completion, we get stuck in every step of the way.
We Keep Communication Open
Through honesty and transparency, we can achieve successful, predictable project outcomes for our clients.
We Work Together for Safety
Every team member does their part to keep themselves and others safe on site.
Frequently asked questions
What drainage issue did Siteworks solve at Marlborough College?
Siteworks addressed severe carpark flooding, saturated ground conditions, and subsurface water movement that was contributing to erosion beneath the pavement structure.
Why was permeable concrete used for this project?
Permeable concrete was used because it allows water to pass through the surface into a prepared aggregate base, reducing surface flooding and improving stormwater management.
How does permeable concrete help with flooding?
Permeable concrete reduces surface water buildup by allowing rainwater to drain through the surface rather than pooling across the carpark.
Was this a sustainable drainage solution?
Yes. The system helps manage stormwater more naturally, filters contaminants, reduces runoff, and limits reliance on traditional stormwater infrastructure.
Can Siteworks complete similar drainage upgrades for schools?
Yes. Siteworks can deliver drainage, permeable concrete, stormwater management, and wider civil works for schools and education sites.