Ashdown Business Park, Uckfield
Ashdown Business Park: Electrical Modifications for Nyetimber Vineyard Storage Facility
Bradbury Electrical was appointed to carry out extensive electrical modifications at an industrial unit within Ashdown Business Park. This project was for Nyetimber Vineyard, a renowned local vineyard known for producing high-quality sparkling wines. As the vineyard expanded its operations, the need for additional storage space became apparent. The industrial unit at Ashdown Business Park was selected to serve as a new storage facility to accommodate the growing demands of the business.
The unit needed to be adapted and fitted with essential electrical systems to make it suitable for storing wine, equipment, and other items associated with the vineyard's operations. This required a full electrical upgrade, including lighting, power, data infrastructure, and security systems.
Bradbury Electrical’s Role in the Ashdown Business Park Project
Bradbury Electrical was responsible for delivering a full electrical package, which involved the design, installation, and modification of various systems to support the new function of the industrial unit. The key elements of the project included:
1. Design:
Purpose: A comprehensive electrical design was required to ensure that the storage facility was equipped with the right systems to support Nyetimber’s operations while also adhering to safety and regulatory standards.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical’s design team worked closely with Nyetimber and other stakeholders to develop a tailored electrical plan for the unit. The design considered the specific requirements for storage, temperature control, and safety, while also planning for future scalability as Nyetimber’s business continued to grow. This included ensuring sufficient power capacity, safety features, and efficient lighting solutions.
2. Strip Out:
Purpose: The existing electrical systems and infrastructure needed to be stripped out to make room for the new installations. The old systems were not suitable for the modified use of the unit, so a thorough and safe removal process was essential.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical carried out the strip out of the existing electrical systems. This involved safely disconnecting and removing outdated wiring, distribution boards, and fixtures. The team ensured that this was done in a controlled manner to avoid damaging the building’s structure, and to ensure that no electrical hazards remained in the unit.
3. Lighting:
Purpose: Proper lighting was critical for ensuring that the storage area was well-illuminated, safe, and functional. The lighting had to meet the needs of the unit’s operation, providing clear visibility while also being energy-efficient.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical installed LED lighting throughout the industrial unit, focusing on high-performance, energy-efficient solutions. The lighting system was designed to be bright enough for the storage areas while also being cost-effective. Motion-sensing lights were installed in less-frequented areas to further enhance energy efficiency, reducing the need for constant illumination in unused spaces.
4. Small Power:
Purpose: Small power installations were needed to provide electricity to various equipment within the storage facility, such as refrigeration units, office equipment, and other machinery used by Nyetimber Vineyard.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical installed small power outlets throughout the unit, ensuring that all areas had access to sufficient power for daily operations. This included dedicated power points for specific equipment, ensuring that the storage facility was equipped to handle all the necessary tools and devices used in the vineyard's operation.
Purpose: Reliable data and communication systems were required to support Nyetimber Vineyard’s growing business. This included installing the necessary wiring and connections for computers, point-of-sale systems, and possibly for future automation of certain processes in the storage facility.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical installed a robust data infrastructure, including structured cabling and data points throughout the facility. This ensured that Nyetimber Vineyard could have reliable internet access and network connectivity throughout the storage area, allowing the vineyard’s staff to perform necessary administrative tasks and communicate effectively. The data systems were also future-proofed to allow for any expansion or upgrading of the systems as needed.
Purpose: Given that the facility would be storing valuable equipment and potentially flammable materials related to wine production, a reliable fire alarm system was necessary to protect both the property and personnel.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical installed a comprehensive fire alarm system, which included smoke detectors, manual call points, and audible alarms. The system was designed to be highly responsive, providing early warning in case of fire, and ensuring the safety of anyone working in the facility. The fire alarm system was connected to a central monitoring service, ensuring that fire alarms could be promptly acted upon.
Purpose: The storage facility contained valuable equipment and inventory, including wine and vineyard machinery, all of which needed to be safeguarded against theft. An intruder alarm system was essential for protecting the facility during both working and non-working hours.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical installed an intruder alarm system equipped with motion sensors, door/window contacts, and an alarm panel linked to a local monitoring center. This system was designed to provide comprehensive security for the unit, triggering an alarm if any unauthorized entry or suspicious activity was detected. The system also included remote monitoring features for Nyetimber to keep an eye on the facility when off-site.
8. CCTV System:
Purpose: CCTV cameras were necessary to provide visual surveillance of the entire facility, helping to prevent theft and vandalism while also ensuring that the area was secure during after-hours.
Implementation: Bradbury Electrical installed a high-definition CCTV system covering both the interior and exterior of the storage unit. The cameras were strategically placed to cover the building’s entrances, parking areas, and key internal zones. The footage was recorded and could be accessed remotely, providing Nyetimber with real-time security monitoring and a recorded history of activities for reference in case of incidents.
Challenges Faced and Solutions Implemented
Adapting the Industrial Unit for Storage:
The existing layout of the industrial unit was not optimized for storage, and the space required significant electrical modifications to make it suitable for Nyetimber’s needs. This included adapting the power supply, lighting, and security systems to suit the new purpose of the space.
Solution: Bradbury Electrical worked closely with Nyetimber and the project team to redesign the electrical layout of the unit, ensuring that the space would function efficiently as a storage facility. The electrical systems were tailored to meet the specific requirements of storing vineyard equipment and inventory, while also being adaptable for future business growth.
Ensuring Energy Efficiency:
Given the size of the industrial unit and its ongoing use, there was a need to ensure that all electrical installations were energy-efficient to minimize operational costs.
Solution: Bradbury Electrical selected energy-efficient lighting and smart power systems, such as motion-sensing lights and low-energy appliances, to reduce the overall energy consumption of the facility. The design also incorporated LED lighting and other long-lasting technologies to lower the carbon footprint of the storage facility.
Security Considerations:
The facility would be housing valuable inventory and equipment, so ensuring the safety and security of the space was critical. The challenge was to design a robust security system while minimizing any potential disruption to the existing building structure.
Solution: Bradbury Electrical designed a comprehensive security solution, integrating intruder alarms and CCTV cameras with easy-to-use monitoring systems. All equipment was installed discreetly to avoid intruding into the operational space, while ensuring full coverage and maximum security.
Tight Timeline for Completion:
The timeline for completing the project was tight, as the unit needed to be ready for use in a relatively short period to support Nyetimber’s growing operations.
Solution: Bradbury Electrical’s team worked efficiently and effectively, ensuring that all electrical installations were completed on schedule. The project was carefully managed to ensure all work was done within the allocated time frame while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
Outcome
The modifications to the industrial unit at Ashdown Business Park were successfully completed, transforming the space into a fully functional storage facility for Nyetimber Vineyard. The electrical systems were installed to support the growing business, providing the necessary infrastructure for safe, secure, and efficient operations.
Key outcomes included
Efficient lighting and power systems that meet the needs of the storage facility while minimizing energy costs.
Reliable data infrastructure that supports Nyetimber’s business operations and administrative needs.
Comprehensive security systems, including fire alarms, intruder alarms, and CCTV, ensuring the protection of valuable inventory and equipment.
A flexible, future-proof design that allows the facility to accommodate future growth and additional requirements as Nyetimber’s business expands.
Bradbury Electrical’s expertise in adapting the electrical infrastructure to meet specific requirements was crucial in ensuring the success of the project, and Nyetimber now has a fully operational storage facility that supports its continued growth.
