Leicestershire County Council - Creation of energy-efficient industrial units: Airfield Business Park

Leicestershire County Council was originally formed in 1889 and is one of the best performing councils in England.

J Tomlinson was appointed by the council to construct a range of high-spec steel frame industrial units ranging from 1,570 to 33,360 sq. ft, to create additional space at the existing Airfield Business Park, located outside Market Harborough.

The new development is expected to create more than 200 jobs in the local area, and in 2020 won the Large Scale Project of the Year Award at the East Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards due to its many energy-efficient features.

Considerate constructors

Prior to starting on site, J Tomlinson distributed newsletter updates, helping to keep neighbouring businesses informed of planned works and progress on site at each key stage of the project. The first newsletter was delivered prior to commencement of enabling works, which entailed erection of site welfare cabins and security fencing, site stripping and earth works, and the laying of concrete foundations.

Value engineering

Significant value engineering was undertaken to expedite the project programme and save money for the Council, including the use of pre-cast walls in lieu of traditional masonry, which saved time, aided quality control and reduced the need for working at height. Additionally, permeable tarmac was removed from the project specification and a below-ground attenuation system was introduced to reduce the risk of future maintenance issues.

A highly energy-efficient project - supporting the client’s carbon targets

As part of the project, J Tomlinson commissioned and installed 692 solar panels, supporting the Council’s ongoing commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Passive infrared sensor (PIR) LED motion lighting was installed across each unit, as well energy-efficient, thermostat controlled electric heaters.

It is estimated that the energy-saving measures implemented within this scheme will save 79 tonnes of CO2 emissions in year one. This is the equivalent of a car travelling 238,279 miles.

In addition, by keeping arisings on site and redistributing them over lower areas, the project saved in excess of 170 HGV movements. As well as reducing the project’s carbon footprint, this approach will save the Council money on materials for future stages of development on site.

High-quality finish

The project was handed over at the end of 2019, with multiple units already reserved by prospective tenants.

The scheme was completed within budget, aided by significant value engineering. In 2020, it won Large Scale Project of the Year at the East Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards.

AWARD-WINNING, LOW CARBON PROJECT – The project features 692 solar panels, as well as sensor-controlled LED lighting and electric heaters. It is estimated that over 79 tonnes of carbon emissions will be saved in year one as a result of the energy-saving measures implemented within the scheme. and in 2020 took home Large Scale Project of the Year Award at the East Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards

VALUE ENGINEERING - Value engineering was undertaken to expedite the project programme and save money for the Council. This included the use of precast walls in lieu of traditional masonry and the removal of permeable tarmac from the project specification, leading to savings of over £10K

BOOSTING LOCAL ECONOMY - The new units are expected to create more than 200 jobs in the local area, with half reserved by prospective tenants prior to handover