Reputation, Resilience, Know-How & Success
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Portsmouth Mill, a historic textile mill built in 1848 in Todmorden, has undergone a complete transformation to help relieve the pressure on local housing needs. The disused building with immense character has been brought back to life with 10 residential apartments, with plans for additional housing within the grounds
in future phases.

Challenge
Provide consultancy support to identify the best utility solutions for the developer, manage the connection of temporary utilities, connect permanent services (electricity and water), install meters, and complete BT Openreach registration to ensure gigabit-ready fibre connectivity, in compliance with Part R of the Building Regulations.
Our Solution
Early Engagement: We were appointed as utility consultants at the project’s outset, this allowed for:
Risk mitigation: We assessed and identified potential utility connection issues upfront. The building had been derelict for a long time and parts had already been demolished, meaning that the old industrial utility supplies to the building were unsuitable to use to break ground on the site.
Informed decision-making: We advised the developer and their project team on the most suitable utility solutions for the development, considering their site plans and end goals.
Streamlined Utility Connection Process:
Temporary supplies: We coordinated the installation of temporary building supplies so construction could begin.
Permanent services: We managed the connection of electricity and water into the completed apartments.
Metering: We coordinated the installation of individual electric meters from a Bemco unit and water meters from Yorkshire Water. This means that each tenant can manage their own utility bill.
Results:
Future-Proofing Connectivity:
BT Openreach registration: We completed the registration process to confirm the possibility of gigabit ready fibre connections for all apartments and the future phases. This ensured compliance with Part R of the Building Regulations, which mandates high-speed broadband infrastructure in new dwellings.
On-time and on-budget project completion: Our proactive approach ensured all utility connections and metering were completed efficiently, avoiding delays and cost overruns.
Modern, well-connected apartments: The new residents of Portsmouth Mill will enjoy the benefits of a
character property with reliable utilities, and the benefits of their own meter to manage their utility bills.
Sustainable development: By facilitating gigabit-ready connections, we supported the developer’s
commitment to future-proof the property.
Results:
On-time and on-budget project completion: Our proactive approach ensured all utility connections and
metering were completed efficiently, avoiding delays and cost overruns.
Modern, well-connected apartments: The new residents of Portsmouth Mill will enjoy the benefits of a
character property with reliable utilities, and the benefits of their own meter to manage their utility bills.
Sustainable development: By facilitating gigabit-ready connections, we supported the developer’s
commitment to future-proof the property.