Heat mapping, masterplanning (Wichelstowe and New Eastern Villages) and feasibility study (North Star)

Swindon Borough Council is currently investigating the feasibility of using district heating in the ongoing developments of Wichelstowe, New Eastern Villages and North Star. Wichelstowe is a strategic urban extension to the South of Swindon of up to 4,500 homes.

HNDU support has been granted for heat mapping and masterplanning to determine the feasibility and viability of a district energy system at Wichelstowe. The New Eastern Villages (NEV) is the largest urban extension in the UK, and will comprise 8,000 dwellings across a number of new residential areas with associated infrastructure.

The site presents a key opportunity to develop an exemplar new community but also brings challenges in terms of a co-ordinated approach. HNDU support has been granted for heat mapping and masterplanning to examine the strategic opportunity to develop a heat network at NEV assessing the challenges and opportunities and putting in place a step by step plan for delivery.

The North Star is a large-scale regeneration and expansion of an existing town centre leisure facility to include snow, arena and wider leisure development and presents a unique opportunity to begin a heat network in the heart of Swindon with expansion potential. Initially, the heat source is likely to be gas CHP.

HNDU support has been granted to build on existing heat mapping and masterplanning from 2012, to develop a detailed feasibility study of the potential for district heating and/or cooling. The Council is inviting quotations for the submission of consultancy proposals for the provision of site heat mapping and masterplanning and a feasibility study.