31 May 2023

Substation completion marks major infrastructure milestone at Fairham

Fulcrum Group, the leading independent net-zero focused multi-utility infrastructure and services provider, has achieved a significant milestone in a landmark project at a major mixed-use development in the midlands with the completion of a high voltage primary sub-station.

The 132kV primary substation will serve Fairham, an £800m joint venture between Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments and Homes England.

The scheme will deliver 3,000 new homes, one million square feet of purpose-built commercial space and up to 2,000 new jobs on the site to the south of Nottingham.

The substation was a collaboration between the Group’s specialist engineering businesses, Dunamis and Maintech. Delivered to meet the schedule of the large-scale development, the substation was designed, constructed and commissioned jointly by the Dunamis and Maintech teams.

Maintech and Dunamis are among a small number of specialist electrical infrastructure businesses in the UK capable of delivering highly complex projects up to 132kV.

The two companies have a strong track record in providing electrical infrastructure with their specialist high voltage teams working closely with the developers to ensure seamless integration into the scheme’s electrical infrastructure.

The primary substation forms part of two initial contracts secured by the Group at Fairham, which includes the design and installation of the site’s gas, electricity and water infrastructure.

The combined high voltage capabilities of Dunamis and Maintech, together with Fulcrum’s multi-utility infrastructure expertise enabled the group to offer the developers an efficient and cost-effective approach to the scheme’s utility requirements.

Delivered over a period of two years, these two initial contracts will create the ‘spine’ of the multi-utility infrastructure that will serve the development. In addition, Fulcrum will become preferred utility partner for home builders constructing on the development.

Fulcrum has also completed the installation of water infrastructure and gas pipelines along Fairham’s spine, which will serve both its housing developments and the commercial units.

“The completion of the substation, which will be a fundamental part of future proofing the scheme and handle both current and future electricity demands, is an important milestone for the Group and the Fairham development.

Through our Group capabilities, we can deliver truly joined up high voltage and multi-utility solutions. Our involvement in the landmark Fairham development highlights the breadth of these high voltage and multi-utility infrastructure capabilities, and how we work closely with developers and contractors through our infrastructure first approach to ensure schemes can be energised as soon as possible.”

Stuart Weatherston, Divisional Director

“We are delighted the grid substation has been delivered on programme, it is now commissioned and formally adopted. This is a key piece of infrastructure for Fairham and will provide power for both housing and employment.”

Ali Malik, Director of Clowes Developments Ltd