BP Cromwell Road - EV Hub

End Client: BP Pulse

Architect: MBH Studios

Principal Contractor & Client: NG Bailey

Project Overview

The BP Cromwell Road EV Hub in Hammersmith, London, marks a significant transformation from a traditional petrol station to a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) charging and convenience centre. This redevelopment aligns with BP's strategy to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles and enhance customer experience by integrating high-speed charging facilities with modern retail offerings. ​

Project Scope and Objectives

The primary objective was to repurpose the existing fuel station into BP's first dedicated EV charging and convenience hub. The project aimed to install ultra-fast charging infrastructure capable of accommodating multiple vehicles simultaneously and to upgrade the on-site retail amenities to cater specifically to the needs of EV drivers. ​

Design and Engineering Contributions by Shepherd Gilmour

Shepherd Gilmour (SGL) was appointed as the lead Civil and Structural Designers, collaborating with NG Bailey, the Principal Contractor. SGL's comprehensive contributions included:​

• Site Investigation Services: Conducted full Stage 2 site investigations of the complex historic site to assess ground conditions, informing the design and construction processes.​

• Forecourt and Pavement Design: Developed detailed designs for the forecourt layout and specified pavement build-ups to support the new EV charging infrastructure.​

• Drainage Design: Engineered an effective drainage system, liaising with Thames Water to establish a suitable drainage strategy for the site.​

• Swept Path Analysis: Performed analyses to ensure that vehicle movements within the site were optimised for safety and efficiency.​

• Structural Alterations: Designed all structural modifications to the main kiosk building, including foundation designs to support the new configurations.​

All deliverables were meticulously prepared as professional calculations, reports, and CAD drawings, adhering to the project's Building Information Modelling (BIM) specifications in line with ISO 19650 standards.​

Construction and Implementation

NG Bailey oversaw the construction phase, with ad-hoc civil & structural design liaison with SGL where required, which involved:​

• Decommissioning of Fuel Infrastructure: Safely removed existing petrol pumps and associated equipment to make way for the new EV charging units.​

• Installation of EV Chargers: Installed five ultra-fast BP Pulse 300kW chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously, allowing for up to ten EVs to charge at once. Canopies were erected over the chargers to provide protection and enhance user experience. ​

• Retail Unit Expansion and Fit-Out: Extended and refurbished the existing retail space to incorporate an upgraded Wild Bean Café and an M&S Food outlet, offering a variety of freshly made food and beverages tailored to EV drivers. ​

• Canopy Construction: Erected new canopies over the charging stations to provide shelter and improve the aesthetic appeal of the site. ​

Design Challenges Overcome

The project presented several challenges, notably the transition from a traditional fuel station to an EV-centric facility on a constrained site. Due to boundary constraints, careful consideration was given to working alongside the party walls to adjacent properties, ensuring compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This required careful planning to safely decommission legacy fuel systems and integrate high-power electrical infrastructure. SGL's thorough site investigations and detailed design work were instrumental in addressing these challenges safely, ensuring that the new structures and systems were seamlessly incorporated into the existing site framework.​

Community Impact

The successful completion of the BP Cromwell Road EV Hub has established a benchmark for future EV infrastructure projects. The facility not only provides rapid charging solutions but also enhances the customer experience through its modern retail offerings. This development supports the increasing demand for EV infrastructure in London and contributes to the broader goal of promoting sustainable transportation solutions. 

Conclusion

Shepherd Gilmour's diverse expertise in civil and structural engineering design, alongside NG Baileys construction leadership played a pivotal role in the transformation of BP's Cromwell Road site into a premier EV charging hub. The project's success underscores the importance of integrated design and engineering solutions in the evolution of urban infrastructure to meet the needs of emerging technologies and sustainability objectives.