Case Study
Integra 61
Flexible approach a winning formula for large scale development project
The Integra 61 project near Bowburn, Durham, is the largest scale logistics and manufacturing development the North East has seen in a generation. So designing, constructing and delivering utility infrastructure connections was crucial to the project’s success.
The 83 hectare development consists of 270 houses, numerous commercial units, offices, a hotel, shops, gym, a care home, pub, GP surgery and a huge 2 million square feet distribution warehouse for an online retailer, requiring reliable 24/7 supply 365 days a year.
Harlaxton were appointed by the Citrus Group, who are developing the site, to supply water, gas and electricity to the entire project.
“The changes to project scope had the potential to cause significant disruption, but through careful planning and comprehensive communication, the team at Harlaxton were able to complete the work on time, including utilising their own IDNO supply to ensure a flexible, reliable solution. “ David Cullingford, Development Manager, The Citrus Group
The challenges
•Project Management – during the project, requirements changed and the scope increased, but the deadline remained constant
•Logistics – the site was 145 miles from Harlaxton HQ
•Engineering – crossing the East Coast mainline railway
•Timescales – a conventional electricity and water connection was not available in the timeframe
Solution
Isolating the local DNO at source and building and installing two substations adjacent to the point of connection. Installing Harlaxton Energy IDNO owned 20kV cables, avoiding any restrictions by the local DNO and providing more flexibility, taking 9 months off the build time, as well as cost savings to the customer. Negotiating a host of critical – and densely located – underground services, underneath the east coast mainline, in order to install electricity and water simultaneously.
Services provided
•4km trench in highways land
•Twin 20kV cables high voltage electricity supply provided by Harlaxton Energy IDNO
•Two new 11kV switching stations to host DNO’s specification at the boundary of the point of connection
•180mm gas pipe laid, supplying medium gas pressure (2000 millibars) for all commercial units
•Medium Pressure (MP) to Low Pressure (LP) gas pressure reduction installation to connect housing plots at LP
•2.5km of 315mm water trunk main bringing potable, drinking water to the project
•Main was upsized to 315mm to enable Northumbrian Water to reinforce their own network
•Experienced design and project management to cope with alterations to scope
Results
•16 weeks to complete water and electrics connections
•Project completed in 10 months – on time despite many changes to requirements
•Harlaxton’s in house project and design teams ensured
flexibility without hindering the progress of the project
As with any project of this scale, the requirements and scope were frequently changed 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.
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