Our role
Working within the joint venture framework, CHt was responsible for the delivery of all mechanical, electrical & public health services incorporating ventilation, air conditioning, public health, electrical services, BMS, fire alarm, UPS, transformers, LV switchgear, lighting, platform lighting booms, security and communications containment, platform signage, Driver Only Operation (DOO) and One Person Operation (OPO) systems, and gate line infrastructure.
The challenge
A key challenge for the team was the delivery of a complex project in a live and congested environment. With all works carried out in a fully operational station, the safety of passengers, the public and our workforce were a priority. A robust logistics strategy ensured uninterrupted passenger operations, and careful consideration to the needs of local stakeholders – including local residents, businesses, English Heritage and the London Borough of Islington.
The scope of works included a range of temporary works to be planned to allow the systematic replacement of existing electrical switchgear and associated equipment, together with the construction of new switch rooms and ticket halls, the refurbishment of the existing London Underground (LU) concourse building, and upgrading of the existing platforms to accommodate 12 car train operation. Farringdon station is operated by both Network Rail (NR) and LU, and both parties provided the operational and non operational requirements in respect of their working restrictions, and particular delivery requirements.
Our approach
With full appreciation and understanding of the NR/LU operational needs, CHt undertook the task of complete replacement of back of house, platform and concourse infrastructure services at Farringdon, without any impact on the day to day running of the station.
All temporary works were meticulously planned and implemented so as to remove risk, and a successful phased changeover of all operational services was achieved.
Client involvement proved to be key, and CHt worked closely with both LU and NR representatives to ensure successful completion of complex and station critical works.
CHt was able to utilise its Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) expertise, to deliver complete building services modules from our factory, bringing benefits in safety, quality and environmental impact, with a reduced reliance on a large number of skilled local operatives. This approach also assisted our programme control and risk management.
The new ticket hall has been designed with generous space and high levels of natural light, creating an exciting new environment for commuters and visitors to London. The new station facilities will provide access to the existing Thameslink and London Underground services, and in due course, the new Crossrail service, making Farringdon one of the busiest stations on the London rail network.
The engineering behind our delivery
The first stage of this project involved extensive preparatory works, including replacement of the existing interchange bridge and stairs with new infrastructure, in order to increase overall capacity. A new station entrance and concourse on Turnmill Street was constructed, which also required the provision of emergency access/escape routes and complex cable diversions.
The second stage of the project required major temporary works, utility diversions, demolition and underpinning of adjacent structures.. The construction involved the installation of an airy, modern new concourse and extensive modifications to the existing LU building. Platforms 3 and 4 were extended and a new Network Rail concourse constructed on the south side of Cowcross Street bridge, with new roof structures installed at either end of the existing train shed roof. The works also needed to take into account future requirements for Crossrail.