September 2023 – July 2024
Services: Civil Engineering, Premises Engineering, Drainage Systems, Project Management, Project Engineering, Survey Management
Project Overview – Safety and Modernisation
The Highgate Sidings Shed, a key facility in TfL’s London Underground network, faced significant risks due to the presence of asbestos and the deteriorating condition of its steel structure and drainage systems. To address these issues, SRC Infrastructure was appointed to lead the project from initiation to Concept Design focusing on the safe removal of asbestos, structural repairs, and modernisation of the facility’s systems. This project demanded a multidisciplinary approach, spanning civil engineering, drainage verification, premises maintenance, and systems protection, all while adhering to health, safety, and environmental standards.
The project’s scope included extensive surveys, the development of separate Concept Design Statements (CDSs) for each discipline (Civils, Premises, Drainage, and Systems), and the preparation of a comprehensive Carbon and Resource Plan. SRC also produced a detailed Concept Design Report, which included cost estimates and a programme schedule, to support the project’s advancement into the Concept Design stage.
The work covered the following key areas:
- Civil Works: The steel structure of the shed required repainting with compliant coatings, and localised repairs were needed for deteriorating steel components. Additionally, scaffolding bridges were installed to facilitate the safe removal of asbestos, and a detailed Civils CDS was produced to cover the installation of crash decks and scaffolding bridges.
- Drainage Systems: The project involved verifying the existing drainage system and outfalls into Thames Water, reviewing the condition of pipes, and assessing the guttering. A Drainage CDS was prepared, which included an analysis of system capacity and expected rainfall in the area to ensure the depot’s long-term functionality.
- Premises Maintenance: In addition to removing the asbestos roof, SRC addressed issues with lead paint and repointed brick structures where necessary. The Premises CDS covered all aspects of the building’s maintenance, including brickwork repairs and redecorating.
- Systems Upgrades: Protecting the existing Cable Management Systems (CMS), cabling, and fire systems was critical, as was upgrading the lighting to LED and ensuring the security of water mains and antennas on the roof. SRC produced a Systems CDS to guide the protection of these assets and the implementation of lighting upgrades.
Delivery Strategy – From Feasibility to Concept Design
SRC had previously delivered the Feasibility and Option Selection stage for the Highgate Depot Shed, leveraging existing knowledge and capabilities to progress the project smoothly. This familiarity with the site enabled SRC to advance to Gate 3 with minimal disruption. The chosen delivery strategy involved taking the project through its concept design phase, with plans for a design and build contractor to manage the subsequent detailed design and construction stages.
A key element of the delivery strategy was the prioritisation of efficient resource allocation while maintaining flexibility to address the unique needs of each discipline. By doing so, SRC ensured that the project progressed consistently and that any emerging issues could be resolved swiftly, allowing for an adaptable approach where necessary.
Innovations and Sustainability – Solar Panel Exploration
In line with TfL’s commitment to sustainability, SRC explored the option of installing solar panels on the Highgate Depot roof as part of the project’s carbon and resource planning. This innovative solution involved engaging with industry suppliers to evaluate the weight, installation, and maintenance requirements of solar panels. the investigation provided valuable insights into the feasibility of renewable energy solutions for future projects, aligning with broader industry trends towards sustainability.
CCTV cameras were also used to conduct drainage surveys, enabling efficient and non-intrusive inspections, while the use of scaffolding bridges and crash decks ensured that the asbestos removal and structural repairs could be carried out safely.
Project Management
Managing a multidisciplinary project required the use of advanced project management techniques. SRC employed dashboards for resource tracking, commercial forecasts, and risk and issue management. Weekly client meetings ensured that all stakeholders were informed of developments, and a robust change control process was in place to address any modifications to the project’s scope.
Results and Client Collaboration
The project delivered all key outputs on time and within budget, including a comprehensive set of deliverables for the client at Gate 3. These deliverables, which included the CDSs and the Carbon and Resource Plan, provided TfL with a clear roadmap for the next phases of the project. Despite changes in the client’s requirements, SRC responded proactively, adapting the scope of work without compromising the overall timeline or budget.
The strong collaboration between SRC and TfL was a standout feature of the project, allowing for the seamless integration of new opportunities, such as the solar panel feasibility study. Stakeholder engagement was consistent and productive, ensuring that the project stayed on track and that emerging issues were addressed promptly.