Security kiosks from Technocover, pre-built and pre-fitted with M&E services, have saved build time on Wessex Water’s new ‘Water Supply Grid’.

Wessex Water’s contractor, Trant Engineering Ltd, consulted early with security specialist, Technocover, on maximising offsite construction of the four steel UltraSecure kiosks for pumping stations between Cattistock and Chetnole in Dorset.

Planning of the pre-build had to account for delivery to three separate sites with difficult logistics. Site access was complicated by narrow country lanes and vehicle turning constraints, as well as the need for sensitive movement of equipment across privately owned land.

Equipment included a 1.75m by 1.75m by 2.1m high water sampling cabinet, two personnel kiosks measuring 4.5m by 2.5m by 2.5m high, and the largest at 5.2m by 5.2m by 2.5m high.

Over 95% of the kiosk build was completed under ISO 9001 quality management at Technocover’s Mid Wales factory,including service fit-out, fixtures and paint finish. Together with careful planning of equipment delivery, lifting and installation, Technocover’s site team installed all four kiosks in three days, saving an estimated five days on site.

Jamie Elliott, Trant site manager and project coordinator, said:

“We usually allow, in a worst case scenario, two additional days for electrics and services fit-out. In this case, the largest kiosk was delivered, installed and we were in receipt of all relevant test documentation in one day.”

The £230m Water Supply Grid, Wessex Water’s largest mains water project to date, will improve security of water supply to customers and increase network resilience to flooding and other emergency events. Engineering design, planning and environmental services are being undertaken by WECS, Atkins and AECOM. The eight-year scheme, which commenced in 2010, includes the construction of more than 150km of trunk mains, 14 new service reservoirs and 22 new or refurbished pumping stations across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.