Thames Water has awarded Barhale an £11.6 million contract to carry out the East Putney Zone Calming scheme, aimed at improving water network resilience for customers in central London.

The project will focus on upgrading the pumping and electrical equipment at the Park Lane pumping station in the heart of the capital. The work will involve the replacement of four pumps, which supply water to Putney, Barrow Hill, and Shoot Up Hill, as well as a standby pump capable of supplying all three locations.

Barhale will replace the existing high-voltage pump motors with low-voltage, variable-speed models. This upgrade will allow Thames Water to operate the network at a reduced pressure, addressing pressure issues and reducing the risk of water surges, bursts, and leaks, particularly in the East Putney area.

In addition to the pump upgrades, Barhale will modernise the electrical control systems, install new flow control monitoring, and replace the current ventilation with a more resilient design. The works will also include overhauling the lighting and water services, as well as removing redundant equipment.

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The project is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of the water network in East Putney, improving service for Thames Water customers across the region.

Shane Gorman, Barhale's Water Director – Southern, said: "The successful delivery of the East Putney Zone Calming scheme will be a step-change for operation of the water network at Park Lane,” he said. “Replacing the existing fixed speed motors with variable speed motors will transform control of water pressure within the tunnels. For customers, this means a more resilient network and it will significantly reduce the likelihood of leakage.

"It is fair to say that there are certain logistical challenges. The site is literally in the middle of Park Lane, one of the busiest thoroughfares in London, with three lanes of traffic flowing either side night and day.

"It means that work, and particularly deliveries and access to the site, will need to be planned and managed meticulously. We will be drawing on the experience gained at other busy London locations and in collaboration of the local authority, to make sure that operations are conducted as safely as possible and with a minimum of disruption.

"We are looking forward to working with Thames Water to deliver this important scheme."

Work is expected to be complete in September 2027.