Transforming a 53-acre brownfield site into a modern urban hub
Canada Water stands out as a masterplan like no other, both in scope and complexity. This mega-project is a total reimagining and repurposing of a former brownfield site, aiming to create a mixed-use development incorporating expansive open spaces, homes, workspaces, and retail areas, all designed with community engagement in mind. The vision behind the project is to create a sustainable urban centre, addressing not just the needs of today but those of future generations.
New homes
Business workspace
Retail and leisure space
Public space
The challenges associated with this project are immense, as it involves working within one of the world’s busiest cities. The complexity includes navigating constraints such as space limitations, power supply issues, and the ever-present unpredictability of working on a massive brownfield site. There are also unique challenges that arise from unknown factors, such as what could potentially be found underground as construction progresses. These factors add to the already intricate nature of the project.
Our Strategic Projects team was specifically chosen to lead the Electricity, Water and Wastewater utility components of the project, thanks to their deep experience and proven track record in managing similar large-scale, complex projects.
Our solution was comprehensive and proactive. By embedding ourselves early in the design process, we were able to identify potential issues and challenges before they could manifest as expensive reworks or delays. This early involvement allowed us to address critical concerns, particularly with utilities, to ensure a smooth implementation that kept future phases on track. With a project as complex and lengthy as Canada Water, where there are numerous phases over several years, our foresight allowed for future-proofing each phase, ensuring that one phase’s success would pave the way for the next.
Embedded into the design process to pre-empt challenges, avoiding delays and costly reworks.
Led utility installation and management, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with long-term project goals.
Designed adaptable systems and bespoke agreements to accommodate market changes and emerging technologies.
Worked transparently with consultants, ICPs, and SLPs to foster trust and accelerate progress.
Optimised power infrastructure to enable faster project phases with reduced buffer margins.
Another critical aspect of the project was flexibility. Given that the project is expected to span decades, British Land needed the ability to pivot if market conditions changed or new technologies emerged. Whether it was a change in usage requirements, an increase in connections, or the adoption of new infrastructure technologies, British Land required a solution that would accommodate these variables without causing disruptions. We worked closely with the client to create bespoke agreements that provided them with the flexibility they needed to adapt to future changes.
Our Asset Value structure was specifically designed to offer this level of adaptability, with our success directly tied to the project’s success. This approach ensured that we remained aligned with the client’s long-term goals and provided a tailored, flexible approach throughout the entire project timeline.
Our proactive and collaborative approach allowed us to seamlessly integrate with the client’s delivery team, becoming a fully embedded, value-adding component. The client benefitted from our depth of expertise, agility in decision-making, and our ability to work harmoniously with all stakeholders involved in the project.
We are incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in the Canada Water project and continue to play as it moves forward. This project is a shining example of how our adoption-only approach delivers value, creates value, and powers complex, large-scale projects to fruition. By embedding ourselves in the early stages, focusing on customer-first solutions, and maintaining flexibility throughout, we’ve ensured that these early phases of the project were completed efficiently and effectively.
The Canada Water project stands as a testament to our ability to deliver large, future-ready infrastructure solutions. Our customer-focused approach, unmatched experience, and collaborative mindset make us the partner of choice for any project that demands expertise in delivering electricity, water, and heat utilities.
Utilities delivered on schedule, eliminating delays and ensuring alignment with the broader masterplan.
Successfully integrated into the delivery team, enhancing collaboration and project efficiency.
Provided flexible, future-ready infrastructure solutions, paving the way for long-term project success.
Symon Bacon, Senior Development Director, British Land
At Leep Utilities, we’re more than just a utility provider – we’re your partner in building the future. With proven delivery, innovative multi-utility solutions, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, we ensure every project is a success.
Our involvement in the Battersea Power Station project underscores our ability to deliver complex infrastructure within challenging environments.
Delivering power in central London always comes with its unique hurdles. Leep Utilities leveraged its expertise to deliver tailored, innovative, proven solutions that ensured the project’s success.
Leep took full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the Energy Centre and heat network, including lifecycle replacement of assets up to the network’s interface points.
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