Retaining Walls

Bishop Construction builds durable reinforced concrete retaining walls across the UK — delivering strength, stability, and lasting ground support.

Retaining Walls

At Bishop Construction, we specialise in constructing reinforced concrete retaining walls for commercial, civil, and residential developments across the UK. Our retaining wall systems are built to provide exceptional strength, stability, and long-term durability — even in the most challenging ground conditions.
From small-scale landscaping works to major infrastructure projects, we deliver retaining wall solutions that combine solid engineering principles with expert workmanship.

We typically work to client and engineer drawings but can provide practical advice at the design stage to support build efficiency and construction accuracy.

What Are Retaining Walls?

Retaining walls are structural elements used to hold back or support soil at different levels on either side of the structure. They prevent ground movement, manage changes in elevation, and create level platforms for buildings, roads, and landscaped areas.
In construction, retaining walls are essential wherever there is a need to resist the lateral pressure of soil or water. When properly constructed, they ensure the safety and stability of surrounding ground and structures.
At Bishop Construction, we construct reinforced concrete retaining walls — a proven solution known for its strength, resilience, and versatility across diverse site conditions.

Our Retaining Wall Construction Process

Each project begins with a detailed review of the site and ground conditions. We work closely with geotechnical and structural engineers to ensure the retaining wall is constructed safely, efficiently, and to specification.

Our Process Includes:

  1. Site Investigation and Surveying – analysing soil composition, groundwater levels, and site constraints.
  2. Planning and Coordination – reviewing structural drawings and providing technical input where required.
  3. Formwork and Steel Fixing – constructing precise formwork and reinforcement cages to achieve dimensional accuracy.
  4. Concrete Pouring – using high-strength, durable concrete mixes to ensure long-term performance.
  5. Waterproofing and Drainage – incorporating weep holes, geotextiles, and drainage systems to manage groundwater pressure.
  6. Finishing and Quality Assurance – completing surface treatments and inspections to verify compliance with UK standards.

Every stage of the process is monitored by our experienced supervisors to guarantee safety, consistency, and quality.

Applications of Retaining Walls

Our reinforced retaining wall systems are used across a wide variety of projects, including:
• Basement construction and underground car parks
• Highway and bridge works
• Commercial and industrial developments
• Residential plots and landscaping
• Slope stabilisation and embankment control
• Water management and drainage structures

Whether the project is small-scale or large civil infrastructure, Bishop Construction delivers retaining walls that are structurally sound, cost-effective, and built to last.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

We provide a full range of reinforced concrete retaining wall systems, constructed to meet each site’s specific ground and load conditions:

Gravity Retaining Walls

Relying on their own mass for stability, gravity walls are typically used for lower heights or landscaping projects. We construct these using mass concrete or pre-cast units to achieve the required strength and finish.

Cantilever Retaining Walls

A cantilever wall consists of a reinforced concrete base and stem that work together to resist soil pressure. This common and cost-effective wall type is suitable for a wide range of civil and commercial applications.

Counterfort Retaining Walls

Used for taller walls or heavy loads, counterfort systems include triangular supports on the rear face to reduce bending stresses and improve overall strength and efficiency.

Piled or Embedded Retaining Walls

For deep excavations or limited-space sites, we construct piled retaining walls where reinforced concrete piles are installed and tied with a capping beam. These systems are ideal for basements, roads, and urban developments.

Pre-Cast Concrete Retaining Walls

For projects requiring rapid installation, we supply and install pre-cast retaining wall units manufactured off site. These ensure quality, precision, and minimal disruption during construction.

Why Choose Us

Sustainability and Innovation

At Bishop Construction, we are committed to sustainable building practices. Our retaining walls are constructed using low-carbon concrete mixes, recycled aggregates, and reusable formwork systems wherever possible.
We also incorporate efficient drainage and waterproofing methods to reduce maintenance needs and extend the lifespan of every structure — supporting long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility.