Harpwood House is a new care home facility in Sevenoaks Kent

The new 80 suite care home complex was developed by Graham Land and Developments to replace the previous care home provision on the site. We were asked to provide upsized gas, water, and electric supplies to the new building.
Due to topographical complexities of the land our specialist tunnelling equipment made Harlaxton Engineering the ideal company to undertake the installation of all three utilities causing as little disruption as possible.

“Harlaxton value engineered several design options with us to find a workable solution for the site’s power requirements to keep the project within budget.  Harlaxton’s flexibility has helped us overcome a number of challenges as the project developed, including short notice site visits and assisting to arrange additional works to keep the delivery of the project on track.  We look forward to working with them again in future.”
Nick Bull, Graham Land & Developments

The Challenges
• The initial load assessment by the client meant that the new electric supply needed to be high voltage and involved a lengthy offsite route, meaning the project would drastically exceed the client’s utility budget.
• The position of an existing electricity pole onsite clashed with the new building’s footprint and required re-locating
• Dense undergrowth and a steep bank made bringing utilities onto site more challenging.

Solution
• By discussing the requirements of the building with the client and liaising with the local Network Operator (UKPN), we agreed a smaller load for the site resulting in the connection only needing to be low voltage, saving around £180k against the original price.
• We proposed using our specialist equipment to tunnel through the steep bank making the excavation works possible for the new gas supply.
• We negotiated with UKPN to explore options for moving the existing pole that was impeding the contractors.  Ultimately, it was agreed that we should carry out a diversion to remove the pole and reroute the overhead cable underneath the road. As the road is a busy dual carriageway, we planned to bore under the road, rather than open-cutting to minimise disruption.

Services Provided
• Harlaxton provided resources to clear the undergrowth before a main contractor was appointed. This allowed the works to continue at an early stage.
• We used our specialist equipment to tunnel under the dual carriageway and the steep bank making the route into site possible for the new supplies.

Results
• We achieved the necessary cost savings by reviewing the client’s load requirements against the existing network.
• By undertaking diversion works and utilising our specialist equipment to support the main contractor we were able to keep the project on track.

As with any project of this scale, the requirements and scope were frequently changed to manage obstacles in order to meet the required outcome. The flexibility and experience of the Harlaxton team in reacting to such changes and providing workable solutions was key to the overall success.

Priory House is a multimillion-pound development of 79 luxury apartments in the former Birmingham forensic science laboratories

The redevelopment of the former forensic science laboratories built in the 1950’s is located in the Southside district of Birmingham and consists of 79 luxury apartments. Leading regional main contractor Bode Contracting Ltd were tasked with redeveloping this existing city centre building with existing rooms and restricted spacing. They turned to Harlaxton Engineering for a flexible and bespoke design & installation package for new electrical infrastructure installations.

“The existing layout of the building presented many challenges. The substation access via a single person entry door, situated below street level meant consideration was needed in order to safely remove the old equipment and install the new. As the design progressed, site visits were  made throughout the process to ensure the space worked with the new client requirements whilst meeting both Harlaxton Energy Networks & Western Power Distribution Specifications.

After a meeting and site survey, the substation design was created to utilise the existing space. Key points were redesigned to bring it up to required and modern day standards including fire, earthing and blast protection. One key element was the widening of the existing opening to allow for the install of louvred doors to provide suitable access and egress.
Upon completion of the substation design, we then provided a clean and minimal cable design saving the client a considerable amount of money due to less cables and consequently a great utilisation of the space available.”

Matt Swift – Harlaxton Design Engineer

The challenges
• Development of apartments in an existing building with space constraints in a city centre location.
• The initial plans were to have meters in the basement room but the client wanted to look at different options for meter locations for space and money-saving purposes.
• The project required a new substation that would need to be installed in an old existing substation room in the building, so required some extra attention to make sure this was feasible on the current spec requirements.
• This was also the case for the internal cabling as everything was already in place and we needed to ensure that risers, cavities, etc. were suitable to house the new equipment and cables throughout the building.
• Due to project timescales an early electric supply to the building was required prior to the main installations to aid the build programme.

Solution
• Harlaxton’s Design Engineer attended multiple meetings to discuss in detail the possible options for cabling, equipment, and metering locations throughout the building ensuring the customer’s input was accommodated and that they received the best cost option for their build.
• The design for the substation configuration was completely bespoke to ensure the new equipment would fit into the existing space but also conform to specification requirements and meeting approved standards.
• Harlaxton Engineering were able to self-determine and self-approve a smaller temporary electric connection to get the project up and running early on.

Services provided
• Direct input from the Design Engineer creating a cost saving to the customer.
• A bespoke design package including detailed network designs for every floor of the building.
• Flexibility to install an early electric supply to ensure the project progression was not interrupted or delayed.

Results
• A clear and concise package of designs that enabled the customer to effectively plan their space for other services throughout the building (fibre, water, etc.).
• A uniquely configured substation installation completely bespoke to the project.
• Provision of electrical services through to 79 apartments and the buildings landlord and safety supplies.
• Little to no disruption to the project progression due to the early connection.

Delivering a multi-utility network infrastructure to a flagship Innovation Park development

Newport Innovation Park is a development of 43 industrial and commercial business units on the outskirts of Newport,Shropshire  and is a partnership between Telford & Wrekin Council (T&W) and Harper Adams Agricultural College. T & W appointed Harlaxton to provide all utility primary infrastructure, electric, gas and water, with laying of BT ducts for the whole development in liaison with Balfour Beatty, the main contractor.

“By working closely with T&W Highways and liaising with local residents, Harlaxton Engineering was able to build up a good relationship with the community and complete a very complex project quickly and efficiently whilst keeping disruption  to a minimum.

Group Manager, Engineering and Project Delivery, Telford & Wrekin Council”

The challenges

• Capacity – existing DNO electricity capacity was insufficient for demand, gas and water networks also required reinforcement
• Logistics – point of connection to grid was 3.1km away, with most viable route through the urban area of Newport town
• Complex design – engineering solution required to deliver efficiencies for both customer and contractor across the provision of all of the utilities
• Covid19 – work began in March 2020 and continued through the pandemic, operating under strict government guidelines

Solution

Single trenching along a common route for all utilities. Electric, water and BT crossed main A518 trunk road together at one end and water and gas at the other, forming the starting point for multi-utility common trenching, providing significant cost savings for the customer. Harlaxton also utilised ducting along the length of the site spine road for the electricity to enable a simple cable pull when the offsite reinforcement works were completed and the initial two sub-stations were ready to be installed and energised on site. The use of electric ducts for the HV electric greatly assisted the customer’s onsite road infrastructure build programme.

Services provided

• 4.815 MVA electricity supply
• 3.1km of excavation works crossing A518 trunk road
• 2 x 800kVA substations for phase 1 built on site with all mains designs to allow for future capacity
• Collaborative working – regular communication local residents & businesses so they were aware of our programme to minimise any inconvenience to them whilst street works excavations were being undertaken
• Experienced design and project management team to cope with complex engineering challenges

Results

• Defined and delivered a cost-effective 3.1km offsite route at minimal inconvenience to local residents and businesses
• A fit for purpose utilities network designed and built for future expansion as the development of future phases progress

The offsite 3.1km route design and engineering considerations were a complex challenge to which the Harlaxton team worked closely with T&W highways managers to define the most cost-efficient route of least resistance and inconvenience to local residents and traffic flow management. The Newport Innovation Park potential business customers now have the facility of a fit for purpose utilities network that will be expanded as the development of the commercial units progress  over the next phases and years of construction.

Multi utility connection to 14 innovative modular homes delivered on time despite the Coronavirus pandemic

Ten new properties at Kinoulton Court, Grantham, and a further four on Earlesfield Lane were built by GF Tomlinson to provide affordable housing for South Kesteven District Council. Needing individual electric, gas and water supply to each property the team at Harlaxton were appointed to install and supply all utilities, across both sites simultaneously.

“The team at Harlaxton did a great job. From receiving our brief, they quickly understood our requirements and communicated brilliantly throughout. Their knowledge of the industry was invaluable in ensuring solutions were found to problems on site in an efficient and cost effective way.” Stephen Spiegelhalter, Site Manager, G F Tomlinson Building Ltd

The challenges

• Logistics – project was split across 2 sites but run concurrently
• Location – new homes were built within a residential area therefore proactive co-ordination and consultation required to minimise disruption
• Diversions – the Kinoulton Court site had a requirement for diverting both gas and water mains out of the site boundary
• Non-standard – gas meter locations required ‘out of box’ solution

Solution

Harlaxton’s experienced project team navigated complex issues to secure water and gas diversions for the customer. And the team at Harlaxton Gas Networks were able to find a solution that designed the gas supply in such a way that accommodated the non-standard location, saving the client a re-design on the building layouts and potential delays in getting their connections.

Services provided

• Early bird temporary builders supply of silos, site cabins & welfare facilities during construction phase, prior to main incoming supply made available
• Dedicated project management team – close collaboration with all stakeholders
• Full multi utility suite of connections
• Minor offsite excavation works resulting in ability to turn these sites around quickly

Results

• Close liaison and coordination with all utility providers involved, ensuring solutions were found to each issue and works delivered on time and in budget
• Minimal disruption with advanced traffic and pedestrian management

A new concept modular build needed to not only provide a quick and effective solution for housing association properties, but also required the same for utility connection and supply. The whole project was less than a year from planning to delivery and the multi utility works were completed in just 3 months.

Early bird multi utility connection and supply for complex project to enable site progression

In Autumn 2019 the team at Harlaxton were approached by Ridgepoint Homes to tender for the multi utility supply and connection to a development of 73 houses and apartments on Eskdale Road in Stoke Mandeville. On winning the tender, Harlaxton were able to meet the client’s need for an early supply of all utilities to 3 properties, four months before other works commenced, to enable site progression.

“We have been extremely grateful for Harlaxton’s help, expertise and support throughout the early stages of this project. Getting 3 homes connected early was a complex issue that could have caused significant cost and time, but thanks to the very knowledgeable and dedicated project team from Harlaxton, all issues were overcome with sensible workable solutions.” Miranda Frary, Design & Technical Manager, Ridgepoint Homes

The challenges

• Timescales – 3 properties required early connection as current homeowners being relocated
• Covid19 – work continued through the pandemic, operating under strict government guidelines
• Insufficient gas capability – existing gas supply unsuitable to service the full site
• Land ownership – water supply under land owned by multiple parties

Solution

Early bird supplies delivered very quickly to enable site progression of a complex project – current homeowners had to be relocated as demolition of the bungalows was required to form the new road into this development.  

 Services provided

• 500kva substation built and ready for site call of when required. Work will comprise of civils, concrete plinth base, earthing, transformers and glass reinforced plastic enclosure – future capacity allocated via IDNO Harlaxton Energy Networks
• Dedicated project management team – close collaboration with all stakeholders
• Early bird temporary supply of all utilities to 3 properties prior to main incoming supply being made available

Results

• Harlaxton’s expertise ensured gas reinforcement works progressed on time avoiding any delay to the project
• Early bird supply achieved. This involved providing low voltage supply from existing network on a temporary basis prior to the substation established. Also had to undertake a similar scenario with gas and water liaising with upstream owners to install temporary mains in locations separate to location of permanent supplies

Ensuring the early bird connection for 3 homes was critical in avoiding lengthy delays for the project.  Once the permanent supplies are installed and live then the three properties will be ‘switched over’ to be fed via these permanent mains and the temporary pipework and cables will be dismantled.

Providing multi utility supply for canalside student accommodation in Nottingham

A brand new development for student accommodation on Castle Boulevard in Nottingham is due to open in time for the 2020/21 academic year. Built by leading regional contractor Stepnell, it is a substantial development that will consist of 68 studio apartments across three buildings providing views over the canal and towards the city. Needing to procure electric, gas and water infrastructure connections that had to cross a major city road, Stepnell were looking for one company to undertake the installation of all three utilities causing as little disruption as possible.

“This was a challenging project due to its location. Harlaxton’s expertise in multi utility supply was exactly what we needed to give us a workable solution in a short timeframe. The team successfully navigated through some complex issues and saved us time and cost too.” Liam Chapman, Contracts Manager, Stepnell

The challenges

• Location – 11 metre wide side next to the city’s canal, with electric point of connection located in third party land
• Logistics – Castle Boulevard is a major city ‘A’ road with bicycle routes
• Complex design – the layout and lack of spare space on this development meant the main road had to be crossed 4 times as all utilities could not be installed in one common trench
• Timescales – 2 weeks onsite
• COVID-19 – 90% of the works completed within the Covid pandemic

Solution

Though early discussions with Western Power (WPD), the Harlaxton project engineers were able suggest a solution that enabled them to connect with their existing easement by bringing a cable out into the Highway, avoiding the need to enter third party land, and save significant time and legal costs.

In addition, the layout and lack of spare space on this development made grouping utilities together and installing in one common trench impossible. To overcome this the Harlaxton team worked collaboratively with Stepnell to make all four crossings within the same bracket of time reducing disruption.

Services provided

• Gas – 2x 63mm
• Electricity – 1x 400amp 3 phase cut-out (mains & services)
• Water – 1x 63mm services • Collaborative working – regular communication with customer and third parties
• Experienced design and project management team to cope with complex engineering challenges

Results

• 90% of the works completed within the COVID-19 pandemic period. The upstream DNO final connection works followed as soon as WPD were able to commit
• Excellent relationship with the local Highways enabling the complex offsite works being programmed and delivered within the pandemic period

Successful delivery of multi utility supply for high profile new town at Northstowe

Inholm, Northstowe is set to be the UK’s biggest new town since Milton Keynes where eventually up to 10,000 new homes are planned. The site is the former RAF Oakington air base in Cambridgeshire and work began onsite in 2017. It is a flag ship project of Homes England who appointed J Sisk & Sons as Principal Contractor. Following a competitive tender, Harlaxton were appointed by J Sisk & Sons as the multi utility provider for phase 2 of the development, connecting 3,500 houses, 5 schools and 28 commercial buildings, and subsequently invited to tender for other infrastructure aspects of the project and directly by Homes England for Phase 3.

“Harlaxton are providing us with a complete multi utility service. Their in depth knowledge, experience and skills in multi utility supply have been a huge help in steering and advising us in order to achieve efficiencies and maximise the investment we are making. They fit perfectly with the vision we have for this exciting, modern development.” Steve Horton, J Sisk & Sons

The challenges

• Scale – an entire new town with a 20 year project time plan.
• Project Management – working closely with all project stakeholders (client, delivery team, suppliers and authorities) to meet the project deadlines and customer specifications, in order to bring about effective project delivery.
• High profile – Successful delivery was crucial as a national flag ship site for the government’s national housing agency, Homes England.

Solution

• Numerous pre contract meetings with all stakeholders.
• Tendered designs revised to suit evolving timescales.
• Pricing solutions and economies of scale – by adding Phase 3 into Phase 2, significant cost and programme benefits could be achieved.

Services provided

• Primary substation with 3.3km of off-site excavation cable.
• Experienced design and project management to ensure design was flexible to cope with alterations to scope.
• Flexibility – as an independent family owned business Harlaxton were able to constantly review and re-design as necessary at very short notice.

Results

• Strong professional relationship with J Sisk & Sons.
• Early decision-making through high level meetings with other business partners/contractors and agencies.
• Awarded contract for phase 3 – the multi utility connections for a further 5,000 homes, 4 schools, 40 commercial units, town centre development and leisure centre within the development.
• Ability to steer and advise the client to achieve efficiencies in order to maximise their investment.

This project has demonstrated Harlaxton’s excellence in service and delivery and increased the company’s already strong professional reputation. It has led to Harlaxton being asked to tender for 5 other Homes England flag-ship projects and the company was also shortlisted for the Sisk Supply Chain Awards 2019, which recognise excellence amongst their suppliers.

Forward thinking design to provide bespoke, aesthetic utility solutions for pioneering care home

Gladstone House Extra Care facility on Bowbridge Road in Newark comprises a range of beautiful apartments for people aged over sixty, made up of 60 homes over 3 levels, as well as extra facilities such as a beauty room with hairdressers and a cafeteria.

Henry Boot Construction were appointed as the main contractor and chose Harlaxton to supply gas and electricity to each home within the development, along with a bulk water supply, all to be in keeping with the contemporary design of this state of the art building.

“This project was the second development we have been involved with on the Bowbridge Road site in Newark. The first was the Sports and Fitness Centre next door, and our knowledge from that project ensured we were able to future proof the Gladstone House development in terms of design, capabilities and installation, and guaranteed minimal disruption to the leisure centre as well.”

Rob Martin, Operations Manager, Harlaxton

The challenges

• Aesthetics – in keeping with the design of the development, it was essential the gas supply and meters were invisible on the external building
• Project Management – proactive coordination with both Highways England and the local residents was required in order to minimise disruption
• Complex internal electrical design – limited size of meter room required careful consideration to ensure regulations were met and quantity of meters required would fit the space available

 Solution

Harlaxton’s skilled designers developed bespoke bench seating that accommodated the gas supplies and metering, ensuring the brief of no furniture being visible on the external building was adhered to. They also developed a bespoke design for housing the electricity meters in a very tight space, ensuring it was fully compliant with regulations and met all parties’ needs.

 Services provided

• Laid 200m of 180mm LP gas reinforcement to secure load requirement for the site
• 60 gas units (mains, services & meters)
• 60 electric units (mains, & services)
• 1 x 63mm large diameter connection for bulk water supply (developer laid 63mm service to site boundary)
• Supplied/installed classic gas meters for each home

 Results

• Successful delivery and completion of project within agreed timescales
• Aesthetic design to house gas supply and meters
• Bespoke individual designs created to accommodate electricity supply in metre rooms available
• Future proofed solution

Not only was it critical to deliver the utilities in a timely manner, but very complex and bespoke design solutions were required for both gas and electricity housing, demonstrating the skill and industry expertise of the Harlaxton design team. Furthermore, the future proofing provided in terms of design, capabilities and installation, ensured minimal disruption to the sports centre next door.

Fast tracking electric and water supply for council’s new headquarters

In 2018 work began on a new three-storey, £6.3 million flagship HQ building for Newark and Sherwood District Council (NSDC) on the busy Great North Road, Newark, next to the Newark Castle Railway Station.

Working in cooperation with the main contractor R G Carter, Harlaxton were appointed to supply the new offices with mains and service electricity and water in an escalated timescale.

“We have been extremely impressed with Harlaxton’s professional approach towards handling some very challenging requirements and our tight delivery schedules. We are confident that the services installed will provide the new Newark and Sherwood District Council HQ with the reliable and efficient power and water supplies it requires both now and in the future. I would have no hesitation in recommending Harlaxton to others and I look forward to working with them on another project in the near future.”

Jason Wilson, Senior Project Manager, R G Carter

The challenges

• Location – site located next to a live railway line & in close proximity to the arterial A46 trunk road
• Project Management – significant time required to consult & coordinate the off-site works requirement with key stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption
• Timescales – the project delivery was accelerated from the standard 12 weeks to just 4 weeks

Solution

Flexible working along with a dedicated site team and project manager who had close collaboration with all stakeholders, proved fundamental to the project’s success. Weekend and night time working ensured minimal disruption to traffic.

Services provided

Electric:

• 210kVA metered supply to new office block
• 500kVA substation built on site – consisting of civils, concrete plinth base, earthing, transformers & glass reinforced plastic enclosure. Future capacity allocated via IDNO Harlaxton Energy Networks
• Early bird temporary builders supply of silos, site cabins & welfare facilities during construction phase, prior to main incoming supply made available
• Excavation in soft verge adjacent railway only
• Disconnection of existing supplies that were found on site during construction phase

Water:

• Water mains connected to Severn Trent’s network
• 32mm service pipe to building along with insulated solution for above ground connection to building

Civils:

• All offsite complex highway excavation, backfill and permanent reinstatement
• All onsite mains excavation and backfill
• Future proofed by installing additional ducting

Results

• 4 weeks to complete water and electrics for full operational delivery
• Excellent coordination with multiple stakeholders by Harlaxton’s site team & project manager

The timely completion of the works by the team at Harlaxton was critical to ensure the contractor fulfilled their contractual obligations and completed the project in its entirety in the timescales agreed. Harlaxton has developed a good relationship with the contractor and continues to work on projects with them including others for NSDC.

Multi utility supply and installation for major supermarket chain at Handley Chase

As part of the multi million pound Handley Chase development in Sleaford, Stubbs Brothers Building Services were awarded the contract to build a new Co-Op convenience store as part of the much needed infrastructure for the area. As Harlaxton were already the approved multi utility supplier for the rest of the development of 1450 houses, numerous commercial units, sports facilities and schools, Stubbs Brothers appointed Harlaxton to also supply water and electric supplies to the new Co-Op Store.

“We have had the pleasure of working with Harlaxton Engineering at a new Co-Op store in Sleaford. We were very impressed with how Harlaxton have arranged, organised and delivered all the utility connections – we are not used to this efficiency and customer care. The onsite team worked collaboratively with us to get the power on in ‘record time’ and this is a breath of fresh air that is not always experienced within the utility industry”.

Steve Wilson, Contracts Manager, Stubbs Brothers

The wider challenges

• Location – bespoke route design needed to avoid existing network rail track
• Upstream power capacity – due to upstream power constraints within the area, heavy optioneering was required to enable Harlaxton to offer the best solution to the developer
• Collaborative working – regular communication with members of the public, as the off-site works involved approx. 3,000km of cabling through residential housing developments
• Legal issues relating to land owned by a third party with compensation payment for successful legal completion
• Design continued to evolve during the project

Solution

Experienced project and design team provided a flexible approach, accommodated requests in an ever evolving development, and ensured regular communication with highways, contractors and residents, to minimise issues and deliver the project smoothly and on time.

Services provided

• 1,500m trench in public highways land
• 11kV looped supply cabling for a total site load of 3mVA electricity supply provided by Harlaxton Energy IDNO
• 11kV substation with an additional allowance for a further 3 substations as the schemes develop
• 310m of 355mm water main connected to an existing Anglian Water strategic main
• Experienced design and project management to cope with alterations to scope
• Co-Op supplies delivered 200A electrical supply with a 32mm water connection

Results

• Successful delivery and completion of project in a very tight timescale
• Future proofed for possible future development

This project formed part of Handley Chase development project for which Harlaxton provided the installation of approx. 3,000m of HV cable, 4 x 11kV substations, a medium pressure gas installation including governor to provide low pressure throughout the site, and water mains infrastructure to feed a development of 1450 houses, numerous commercial units, sports facilities and schools.

“We have been extremely impressed with Harlaxton’s professional approach towards handling some very challenging requirements. They have proactively consulted with all key stakeholders to ensure milestone dates were met and the daily logistics were not compromised.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Harlaxton’s services to others and look forward to continuing to work with them over the coming years as the Handley Chase development progresses”.

David Hindmarch, Managing Director, Sleaford Property Developments