Client: Balfour Beatty
Contractor: W M Donald
Project Timeline: Ongoing
Project Overview:
Netherton Hub is a major infrastructure project, spanning over four times the size of Disneyland Paris and forming a key part of SSE’s Pathway to 2030 programme to deliver renewable energy and support the
UK’s transition to net zero. The completed site will include multiple substations, HVDC converter stations, and operational facilities. Since Winter 2025, progress has accelerated, with W M Donald securing early works packages to enable mobilisation, team growth, and material procurement ahead of the full Roads and Drainage contract.
Scope of Works:
• Collaboration with two separate earthworks contractors across the expansive site.
Working closely with multiple earthworks contractors to coordinate activities across a vast and complex site, ensuring alignment on programme, logistics, and site-wide efficiencies.
• Installation of over 15km of drainage infrastructure
Delivering an extensive drainage network across the site, designed to manage surface water effectively and support the long-term functionality of the development.
• Construction of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) basins
Building SUDS basins to promote environmentally responsible water management, helping to control runoff, reduce flood risk, and enhance sustainability.
• Installation of water mains and service ducts
Installing essential water mains and service ducting to support site operations and future infrastructure requirements, ensuring reliable and efficient utility provision.
• Development of key infrastructure and access roads, including haul roads
Constructing critical access routes and haul roads to facilitate safe and efficient movement of materials, plant, and workforce across the site.
• Delivery of temporary water works and enabling packages to support planning approval
Undertaking temporary water infrastructure and enabling works that were crucial in supporting planning approval and allowing the project to progress.
Key Achievements:
• Successfully delivered early works packages, including mobilisation and temporary water infrastructure
• Played a key role in securing planning approval for the wider project
• Completed kitchen alterations in an existing property with A&R Services —a first for the business, showcasing flexibility
• Commenced on-site activity through the Initial Works package, maintaining momentum despite wider delays
Want to read more?
This article featured in our latest Summer edition of our company magazine From The Ground Up. You can view the magazine by following the link below:
