Our team conducted a comprehensive assessment of this three-storey commercial building in Lingley Mere Business Park, Warrington. The 26-year-old structure presented numerous challenges with outdated mechanical and electrical systems throughout. Working collaboratively with the client’s facilities management team, we developed integrated solutions to modernise both mechanical and electrical infrastructure while meeting contemporary energy efficiency standards. Key improvements included upgrading ventilation systems, replacing dated distribution boards, implementing modern lighting controls, and enhancing the building management system.
CLIENT: United Utilities
LOCATION: Warrington, Cheshire
SERVICES: Mechanical & Electrical Design
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
The primary objective was to comprehensively refurbish the mechanical and electrical services throughout this 26-year-old building. Initial surveys revealed numerous issues requiring attention across both disciplines. Mechanically, the 531kW Wimborne gas boilers were approaching end-of-life and non-compliant with current regulations, while ventilation systems utilised an outdated displacement strategy with decommissioned humidifiers.
Electrically, the original Ottermill distribution boards had exceeded their economic lifespan with parts difficult to procure, and lighting control systems were outdated. The building’s energy monitoring capabilities were particularly inadequate, failing to meet current Building Regulations Part L requirements with no sub-metering installed.
The client sought a cohesive approach that would deliver improved workspace comfort, enhanced energy efficiency, and updated building services infrastructure—while accommodating changing workplace dynamics and reduced occupancy patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional priorities included addressing fire safety concerns and improving data infrastructure throughout the workspace.
OUR SOLUTION
Following detailed condition surveys across mechanical and electrical systems, we developed an integrated approach to revitalise the building:
- Replacement of end-of-life gas boilers with modern heat pump technology for improved energy efficiency
- Comprehensive upgrade of mechanical ventilation systems with COVID-19 infection control measures
- Implementation of advanced displacement ventilation with enhanced temperature control
- Complete overhaul of distribution boards to incorporate RCD protection and modern circuit breakers
- LED lighting replacement programme with intelligent controls to reduce energy consumption
- Installation of comprehensive energy sub-metering to meet Building Regulations Part L requirements
- Upgraded BMS system with new Schneider controllers for improved monitoring and integration
- Enhanced fire detection coverage including ceiling voids containing significant M&E equipment
- Modern data infrastructure to support contemporary workspace requirements
- Complete replacement of comms room close control units with efficient alternatives
- Review and upgrade of lightning protection and surge protection systems
- BIM Level 2 implementation for comprehensive asset management
THE OUTCOME
The successful refurbishment has transformed an ageing office building with numerous safety and compliance concerns into an efficient, comfortable workspace with significantly improved environmental performance. The client now benefits from reliable, modern building services with comprehensive monitoring capabilities and reduced operational costs.
The integrated approach to mechanical and electrical systems ensures optimal energy performance while enhancing safety and compliance aspects. Our flexible design accommodated changing requirements during the pandemic while ensuring systems maintained capacity for future occupancy increases.
The comprehensive BIM Level 2 documentation provides the facilities management team with detailed asset information for ongoing maintenance, completing a project that successfully balanced immediate needs with long-term operational efficiency.
