Sewage Pumping Station Upgrade at Newbury Rugby Club

Willow Pumps are contracted to deliver the upgrade of the Monks Lane Sewage Pumping Station (SPS), located adjacent to Newbury Rugby Club. Originally designed to serve only the rugby club, the station had become insufficient due to a significant increase in foul water flows from multiple new developments connected to the network. This resulted in recurring flooding and pollution incidents in the local area.

The project, commissioned by Thames Water, aimed to enhance the station’s capacity, reliability, and operational functionality while minimising disruption to local stakeholders.

• To design, procure, and install mechanical, electrical and instrumentation to handle the increased foul water flows effectively.
• To increase emergency storage capacity and improve flow isolation capabilities through the addition of valve chambers.
  To replace corroded rising mains with durable materials resistant to hydrogen sulphide corrosion.
• To improve access and maintenance procedures for the site, minimising disruption to Newbury Rugby Club’s activities.

Mechanical Works

Supplied and installed ductile pipework, gate valves, penstocks, non-return valves, air valves, and associated fittings in line with project specifications.

Instrumentation

Installed Xylem float switches, ABB Watermaster flow meters, and ultrasonic transducers mounted on hinged Unistrut arms for optimal operation.

Electrical Works

Installed the free-issued kiosk and control panel, including all cabling, cable tray works, equipotential bonding, earth rods, and isolators, meeting Thames Water electrical standards.

Civil

Coordinated closely with the civils contractor responsible for pipe ducting, access roads, and compound construction to ensure smooth integration of pumping station components.

Additional Deliverables

• Managed the decommissioning and removal of old pumps, valves, and electrical panels.
• Oversaw waste disposal through skip hire for pipework and panels.
• Provided all necessary documentation including electrical certifications, conformity, and calibration certificates.

• The existing pumping station’s limited capacity and site constraints required careful planning to avoid impacting rugby club activities and local traffic.
• Complex utility locations necessitated detailed surveys and coordination to safely install new rising mains and chambers without service interruptions.
• Corrosion issues in previous rising mains informed the choice of materials and design enhancements to improve longevity and reliability.
• The presence of recently installed electric vehicle charging points demanded additional environmental assessments and careful site management.

• The upgraded Monks Lane SPS now efficiently manages the increased foul water flows, significantly reducing the risk of flooding and pollution.
• Emergency storage capacity and valve isolation facilities were successfully implemented, enhancing operational resilience.
• Maintenance access and operational procedures were improved, reducing disruption to Newbury Rugby Club and local residents.
• The project was delivered in compliance with Thames Water’s stringent design and quality standards, ensuring long-term performance.

• Comprehensive upfront utility and environmental surveys are critical to project success.
• Collaborative coordination between mechanical, electrical, and civil teams ensures seamless installation and integration.
• Stakeholder engagement, including landowners and local community groups, is vital to minimise disruption and foster positive relationships.
• Designing with future capacity in mind mitigates the need for frequent upgrades.

Willow Pumps is proud to have successfully completed the Newbury Rugby Club Sewage Pumping Station Upgrade, delivering a robust and future-proof solution for Thames Water. Our commitment to quality, safety, and stakeholder collaboration ensured the project met all operational requirements while protecting the local environment and community.

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