Reputation, Resilience, Know-How & Success
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The Coach House, a historic Grade 2 listed building dating back to 1779, had fallen into disrepair. Located in
the heart of Sheffield’s Hillsborough Park, the building and adjoining Potting Sheds were a forgotten gem with a beautiful walled garden at the rear. Age UK recognised its potential and secured funding to transform the site into a facility that would provide much needed support for the local community.
Challenge
Age UK’s ambitious £1 million project required a comprehensive utility infrastructure to support the new
facilities, in particular a gas supply that had sufficient capacity to supply the café’s commercial kitchen. Our
role was to assess the existing utilities, recommend how necessary upgrades, and coordinate the installation of new services.
Our Solution
Utility assessment: We conducted a thorough evaluation of the Coach House and Potting Shed’s existing utility supplies. Our findings indicated that the electric and water supplies were adequate for the project’s needs, however the existing gas supply was not big enough to supply a commercial kitchen.
Gas flow adjustment: We collaborated with the tenant, Depot Bakery, to address their need for a higher gas flow rate. By making modifications to the incoming pipework and emergency control valve, we were able to increase the available gas capacity without the need for costly renovations.
Respecting the listed building and parklands: Recognising the need for a new and larger gas supply, we coordinated the installation of a gas main beneath Hillsborough Park’s large wall. This complex project involved careful planning and execution to minimise disruption to the park’s surroundings.
Energy supply contract: Once the gas main was in place, we secured an energy supply contract for the client and oversaw the installation of the gas meter.
Results:
Thriving community: Our comprehensive utility services enabled Age UK to successfully transform the Coach House, Potting Sheds and walled garden into vibrant community spaces. It was great to be part of a conversion project that has had such a positive impact on the local community.
Successful Project Completion: Our expertise and efficient project management ensured that the Coach
House project was completed on time and within budget, which is vital when working within the parameters of a funded project.
Energy supply contract: Once the gas main was in place, we secured an energy supply contract for the client and oversaw the installation of the gas meter.
Negotiating listed buildings and complex surroundings: Our team’s extensive experience in working with
listed buildings and complex environments, coupled with our strong partnerships with Age UK, Depot Bakery, and their construction team, allowed us to design solutions that preserved the historical integrity of the Coach House while meeting the modern requirements of the new facilities.