Leep Utilities Adopts Networks at Chatham Waters

Last-mile multi-utility network owner and operator, Leep Utilities, has been awarded a major contract by Peel L&P for the adoption of the water and wastewater networks at Chatham Waters.

Located on the mouth of the Medway Waterfront Peninsula in Kent, the development will include a range of residential, commercial and retail units.

Chatham Waters is part of Peel L&P’s strategic waters schemes. The former under-utilised brownfield site is set to include up to 950 new residential dwellings and will be completed across four planned phases.

The first phase is set to have water flowing in the next six weeks and Leep will continue to oversee the remaining phases of the project.

Discussing the contract win, Leep’s Managing Director, Louise Manfredi, said: “Chatham Waters is an impressive regeneration project. Once complete, the site is going to be a fantastic addition to the local community and will provide a wealth of leisure and hospitality options.

“The development has presented its own range of challenges, but we are proud to have worked alongside Peel L&P to develop innovative solutions to allow us to keep on schedule.”

James Whittaker, Executive Director of Development at Peel L&P added: “At Peel L&P, we are fully invested for the long term in delivering a high-quality sustainable development that will help bring new life and jobs into this waterfront location. As works continue to progress on the first two residential developments, we’re pleased to be partnering with Leep Utilities to bring water to site.”

As part of the ambitious development, Leep was previously awarded the electricity network and will also adopt the existing private water network serving the site’s current customers.

The adoption of water networks is a key growth market for the business. Following the acquisition of SSE’s water and wastewater networks in May 2019, Leep has won multiple schemes across the UK. Chatham Waters is the first of these to have been granted by Ofwat as a variation to Leep’s existing license.

Leep continues to strengthen its multi-utility offering and expand its presence throughout the UK. Most notably, with the energisation of sites, including the Battersea Power Station Development (South London), and Wood Wharf, the Canary Wharf Group’s new district.