Adoptable Pumping Station Design for Western Grange, Killingworth
Customer: Bellway Homes Limited (North East Division)
Project Name & Location: Western Grange, Killingworth, Tyne and Wear, NE12 6BA
Date: February 2025
Water Authority/NAV: IWNL - Independent Water Networks Limited
Housebuilder: Bellway Homes - Western Grange
Project Snapshot
Homes Served: 438 dwellings
Location: Killingworth, NE12 6BA
NAV: IWNL
Project Type: Adoptable foul water pumping station
Status: Design completed and approved ahead of schedule
Result: Significant cost savings delivered without compromising compliance
Project Overview
Advantage Pumping Solutions was appointed to deliver an adoptable pumping station for Bellway Homes’ Western Grange development in Killingworth, a large-scale housing scheme serving 438 new dwellings. Working with IWNL, the NAV responsible for water and wastewater infrastructure, we were tasked with designing a foul water pumping solution that met stringent adoption standards while aligning with the developer’s build schedule and budget.
Why We Won the Project
Our ability to combine robust engineering expertise with a streamlined, compliant design process proved instrumental in securing the project. Bellway selected us based on our:
- - Proven track record of delivering adoptable systems in line with NAV requirements
- - Strong working knowledge of IWNL’s specific design stipulations
- - Cost-effective approach to value engineering without compromising compliance or functionality
- - By demonstrating our understanding of both technical and commercial pressures, we provided a solution that balanced performance, compliance, and cost.
"By understanding IWNL’s specific requirements and challenging the original design, we delivered a smarter, faster solution without compromise."
– Ross Arnett, Sales Director, Advantage Pumping Solutions
What We Delivered
The original design proposed a large valve chamber (approx. 4m x 2m) with flow meter specifications that, while functional, were not cost-optimised. Advantage proposed a revised design that retained full adoptability while delivering savings:
Cost-Saving Redesign Highlights:
- - Flow meter specification adjusted to a more typical, cost-effective size
- - Valve chamber depth and footprint reduced, easing installation and cutting excavation/material costs
- - Reinforced cover slab replaced with standard access cover solution, eliminating crane and specialist material costs
- - These revisions led to significant material and installation savings while preserving full compliance with IWNL requirements.
Installation & Timeframe
The project was fast-tracked to align with Bellway’s occupation programme. Despite the complexity of the site and the detailed NAV requirements, we submitted the revised design ahead of schedule. Our proactive communication with IWNL ensured the design was approved swiftly, enabling a smooth transition to construction without delays.
Challenges We Overcame
- - Very tight timeframe for developing, optimising, and approving a fully compliant solution
- - Complex specification requirements from both IWNL and the client, demanding design flexibility and regulatory precision
- - Through early engagement, in-house design expertise, and a commitment to "compliance without compromise," Advantage delivered a practical, approved solution that reduced cost, simplified construction, and stayed on schedule.
Let's Talk
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