| | Costain Skanska Joint Venture |
| | £150,000 |
| | Earls Court, London |
| | Jan 2015 |
| | Feb 2015 |
VGC was employed to carry out the concrete works of the headhouse of the Earls Court shaft. This included the design of temporary works, reinforced concrete base and walls and blockwork, all next to the existing 30 metre shaft.
Our safe working methods, which included prefabricated shutters, mitigated the risks of working at height because of the depth of the shaft. Two VGC workers were put forward for Costain Skanska JV safety awards.
The HSQE inspection on behalf of London Power Tunnels for the National Grid noted that the VGC site was “a pleasure” to visit, extremely well run and organised, with excellent housekeeping.
“A safe well-run site; everyone on site understands what is expected of them. A good team feel: they clearly look out for each other.”
National Grid’s seven-year project, started in 2011, aims to rewire the capital to meet London’s rising demand for electricity. The London Power Tunnels project involves the design, construction and commissioning of 32km of new cable tunnels to carry high voltage (400kv) cables between substations at Wimbledon, Kensal Green, Hackney, St John’s Wood and Willesden.
Intermediate shafts and headhouses such as the one at Earls Court will provide access to the tunnel for maintenance work and store ventilation equipment.
