Metropolitan has won the contract to deliver a transformational heat network as part of a multi-utility package for a new development in Leyton, which consists of 750 residential units and 9,000sqm of commercial space.
Working with its sister companies GTC and Power On, Metropolitan was awarded the Coronation Square contract by nationwide developer Taylor Wimpey, to deliver a development wide, net zero ready, heat and hot water network.
Phases 1 & 2 of Coronation Square, supplying heat and hot water to the 750 residential dwellings, plus to the non-residential properties on site, are well underway, with work starting in February 2022. First heat became available from a temporary energy centre in September 2022 and under the current programme, heat will be supplied from a permanent energy centre from Spring 2023. The permanent energy centre will be sized to accommodate a further 1,500 units, should neighbouring land be developed in the future.
Initially, the project scope was to provide a conventional gas CHP-led district heating system, however Metropolitan worked with Taylor Wimpey and the Council to agree a future decarbonisation strategy for the site, incorporating Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs). This meant that the energy system needed to be future-proofed to accommodate the lower temperatures at which ASHP networks are operated.
The initial scheme will benefit from gas-fired CHP (700kW), but the decarbonisation plan means that Metropolitan will install two 500kW Air-Source Heat Pumps as the wider development builds out, which will future-proof the heat network for years to come.
Metropolitan’s early engagement in the project ensured that Taylor Wimpey had timely and appropriate advice to help secure the planning requirements, including the necessary decarbonisation strategy required by the Council and GLA.
As well as the new homes, Coronation Square will include a new civic square, with a market hall and retail and commercial space for existing and start-up businesses. The scheme will benefit from a new health hub and pharmacy, a sports and leisure complex for indoor sports with community facilities and meeting-room spaces, and a pre-school nursery.
Metropolitan has been engaged to deliver both the design and build as well as a 40-year heat supply arrangement for the scheme, providing residents with a sustainable heat solution that’s easy and worry-free.
Andrew White, Metropolitan Managing Director, said: “The Coronation Square scheme showcases our on-site development strengths perfectly, especially when we are engaged at an early stage in a project. Not only do we offer a seamless service, delivered on time and within budget, but we also ensure we engage on a project at all levels, able to offer unparalleled advice and expertise because of our long experience. The decarbonisation plan put in place on this project is an example of this.”
James Silverthorne, Coronation Square Project Director at Taylor Wimpey, said: “Metropolitan’s support was invaluable in ensuring our s106 requirements relating to the production of a robust decarbonisation strategy to satisfy the Council and GLA requirements for the energy system was fulfilled.”