Utilities Strategy

Understanding and defining the utilities requirements (foul drainage, potable water, gas, electricity and telecoms usually) for a development is very important. At feasibility stage determining abnormal costs such as those for utility reinforcement is crucial when looking at the viability of schemes. Similarly having an understanding of how utilities can service a site and influence or constrain development layouts is an important part of delivering a sustainable masterplan.

Layouts influenced by Manual for Streets require an understanding of how utility corridors can be incorporated into the layout to service the development. Coordination with landscaping and drainage proposals is also important. Service diversions can also be a major burden to schemes as the scope, cost and nature of diversions are sometimes not fully understood until schemes are well progressed and can cause delays to construction and increased costs.

At AWP we understand the value to projects of having a utilities strategy and plan which considers abnormal costs, supplies, coordination and diversion of services. Experience tells us that considering these elements early on in a project can deliver real value and mitigate the risks and costs associated with services.