CHIPPENHAM BULK SUPPLY POINT (BSP) SUBSTATION UPGRADE – CIVIL & STRUCTURAL DESIGN

WCS was appointed to deliver civil and structural design services for the Chippenham 132/33kV BSP Bulk Supply Point (BSP) substation upgrade, supporting the scheme from early-stage feasibility through to detailed design.

The civil scope undertaken by WCS comprised the detailed design of the 33kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) building, 132kV transformer bund, access roads, and perimeter fencing. In addition, WCS developed the civil and structural design for the 132kV AIS compound, including high-voltage steel structures and their foundations, cable containment systems comprising troughs and ducts, and integration with future development layouts.

The project required resolving key substation constraints through coordinated design. This included:

• Extending the substation compound to position the GIS building to a safe distance from high-risk areas, including the transformer fire zone, with corresponding adjustments to the fence line.
• Demolition layouts were developed to identify structures for removal in coordination with the electrical team.
• Special considerations were incorporated for the switchgear delivery and installation, including access routes, landing platforms, and structural criteria, supported by constructability reviews.
• Production of tailored detailed survey specifications to ensure all essential information was captured, including site levels, ground conditions and buried services.

Key achievements:

• Delivered detailed civil and structural designs for both 33kV and 132kV elements.
• Successfully managed constrained site conditions and live operations.
• Coordinated across civil and electrical disciplines for installation and compliance.
• Applied standardised design processes and QA procedures aligned with SSEN requirements.
• Supported phased construction while maintaining operational flexibility.