Dean Pattison at Utility Source explains what it was like working on the unique new Gathering Ground project in Hillsborough Park.
Property development and challenges with utility installations tend to go hand in hand and our business is focussed on identifying positive solutions.
We were recommended to Steve Chu at Age UK and were subsequently appointed to become part of the project team at the regeneration of the Coach House and Potting Shed in Hillsborough Park.
As utilities consultants, we worked alongside the project team to create a suitable installation proposal. This led to us appointing a local accredited contractor, D&G Utilities to install a new gas main and service into the building. Logistically there were inevitable challenges, especially when excavating through a public park but careful planning and preparation enabled a safe and successful installation.
Given that the building was in the process of being transformed into a community café, the gas supply was essential to enable food preparation.
Fast forward several months and The Depot Bakery were appointed to operate the café. Shortly afterwards it was identified that the gas supply installed was not suitably sized to feed their specialist kitchen equipment, an issue which was unforeseen in the early stages of the development.
We attended the site to find that the external resin surface was already in place and that any excavations would impact on the surface guarantees. Rather than excavating through the resin we looked for alternative solutions and identified that with the correct capacity checks and approvals in place it was possible to upsize some of the equipment installed without disrupting the surface.
Following several lengthy debates with the energy supplier, interaction with the gas network operator and a site visit or two, we had a solution on the table.
We value our local contractor partners, and the next step was to engage one which was qualified to make alterations to the equipment. Mane Metering did just that, ensuring that the equipment was upsized to enable the increased capacity. The outcome was operational kitchen equipment and a pristine resin surface!
Whilst we have only been a small part of the remarkable transformation of the Coach House, we believe that we have been a valuable source of support for the customer. Resilience is an essential quality when operating in our market and we are proud to demonstrate that we have it in abundance.
The next step is a cuppa and a piece of cake whilst we admire our collective achievements in the grounds of this fantastic building.
Steve Chu, chief executive at Age UK Sheffield, said: “Utility Source Limited provided a great service for us, and went above the call of duty to help us resolve some tricky issues. Their knowledge and contacts unlocked the solutions to some problems we would have struggled to resolve on our own. I would have no hesitation in recommending them and working with them again.”
