ST GEORGE'S RETAIL PARK
From Railway Land to EV Revolution: Transforming Leicester's Retail Park with Future-Ready Charging
PROJECT OVERVIEW
St George's Retail Park in Leicester, managed by abrdn, sought to enhance its facilities and attract more customers. The park's location on reclaimed railway land presented unique challenges for new developments. Recognising the growing trend of electric vehicles, abrdn saw an opportunity to install a large DC charging hub, which would not only provide a new service but also align with their sustainability goals. The project, completed in October 2023, and is now open to the public.
ESTATELOGIK'S ROLE
Estatelogik acted as a comprehensive service provider for this project, handling multiple aspects including:
- Project management
- Engineering design approval
- Site inspections
- Negotiations of terms
- Liaison with managing agents
PROJECT SCOPE
The aim was to install a substantial EV charging facility, comprising 12 bays with a power requirement of 1.5MW. This scale of installation is noteworthy, especially given its proximity to Leicester's city centre.
KEY CHALLENGES
Stakeholder Negotiations:
Estatelogik negotiated with charge point operators using a tried and tested projection model to secure favourable terms for the client.
Site Conditions
The retail park's location on reclaimed railway land over existing railway tunnels presented unique challenges. During excavation, workers discovered old railway tracks and structures beneath the surface.
Power Supply:
Securing adequate power for the charging hub was the primary hurdle. Estatelogik had to identify optimal power sources at competitive rates.
Infrastructure Placement:
The unexpected underground structures necessitated relocating the substation to avoid compromising the tunnel structure below. Thorough Site Analysis, detailed ground scans and careful surveys to fully understand the site's underground layout the team redesigned the installation to accommodate the site's unique features.
BENEFITS & OUTCOMES
Futureproofing
The 12-bay installation was designed with 2030 demand projections in mind, ensuring long-term utility.
Attracting Customers
The charging hub serves as a draw for EV owners, potentially increasing foot traffic to the retail park.
Sustainability Initiative
This project aligns with broader environmental goals, promoting EV adoption in an urban setting.
Revenue Generation:
The charging hub now provides an additional income stream for the property owner.
Enhanced Property Value:
The installation contributes to the park's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) profile, enhancing its market value.
CONCLUSION
This case study showcases Estatelogik's ability to manage complex, forward-thinking projects in challenging environments. Through the combination of technical know-how and adaptable problem-solving, Estatelogik delivered a substantial EV charging facility that serves both immediate needs and future demands.