Bloomsbury Heat and Power Consortium (BHPC) – SOAS

  • Project Timeline: 2025 – Ongoing
  • Location: Bloomsbury, London
  • Client: Proven Project Construction

Project Background

The Bloomsbury Heat and Power Consortium (BHPC) was formed in 1996 by the University of London, SOAS, and UCL to manage energy infrastructure across the southern Bloomsbury campus. The existing network is fragmented and outdated, utilising 20-year-old gas boilers and piping that date back up to 80 years.

To modernise the network, the project focuses on replacing end-of-life equipment with a high-efficiency, low-carbon system that optimises performance to lower fuel costs. The consortium aims to fully decarbonise the network within the next decade to enable all member institutions achieve their Net Zero Carbon targets.

Scope

FVB was appointed by Proven Project Construction to deliver the construction design for the District Heating Distribution network. Our remit involves unifying the system by connecting various existing plant rooms and substations.

The FVB team provided "for-construction" design services for:

  • Buried network infrastructure.
  • Above-ground pipework sections, including bespoke pipe supports.
  • Strategic connections to both existing facilities and future-proofed plant rooms.

Overcoming Complexities

Designing a modern network in a historic, high-traffic London environment presented several key challenges:

  • Operational Continuity: Routing design and changeover strategy to minimise downtime for existing heating services while ensuring an efficient commissioning phase.
  • Safety & Compliance: Maintaining unobstructed, safe access to critical fire exits for occupied buildings throughout the excavation and installation stages.
  • Urban Management: Minimisation of pedestrian and vehicle disruption in a busy campus setting.
  • Future-Proofing: Coordination and accommodation of future connection points to ensure the system supports BHPC’s long-term overarching energy strategy.

Scope of Works

  • Full design between connection points.
  • Detailed 3D pipework and pipe support design.
  • Comprehensive pipe stress analysis and provision of foam pad drawings.

 

For further information please contact FVB at info@fvb.uk.com.