System Electrical Ltd has successfully completed the contracted works to the Chester Zoo Islands. This challenging project which comprised of a substantial portion of the electrical installation works at the Zoos exciting and prestigious, new £40 million development.
The Islands development which has been labelled as “the largest and most ambitious development in the history of UK zoo’s” and will add approximately 70’000 square meters or 17 acres (the equivalent of around 7 full-size football pitches) in area to the zoo’s existing footprint.
This innovative and ambitious project will establish Chester Zoo as one of the leading zoological institutions in the world.
This enclosure benefits from LED lighting and a temperature controlled electric heating system.
The building also has staff facilities including electric water heating, data communications and a CCTV system.
Exterior view of the Manado Street Kitchen
Themed lighting at the Restaurant servery
Distribution and data communication installation within the new Tiger Stable plant room.
Heated rocks installed inside the new Tiger enclosure
Lighting in the Tiger Tunnel
Functional and themed lighting in the new shop with lamp shades hand made in Italy by an American artist.
Project Content
This project was undertaken for Read Construction Holdings Ltd and comprised of general, themed and emergency lighting, small power, distribution, fire alarm, data communications and site wide services to the following new public buildings and animal enclosures.
- Restaurant
- Shop
- Education centre
- Boat Station
- Toilets
- Anoa
- Babirusa
- Banteng
- Cassowary
- Bali Starling
- Tiger breeding centre.
How the islands contract was undertaken
Right from the onset at tendering stage, is was clear that the Islands would be an exciting and unique project due to both its scale and complexity.
The undertaking of this project which required compliance with the current regulations whilst ensuring it is fit for its purpose and integrated with the theme set by Chester Zoo has produced challenges to both office staff and electrician alike.
The challenging construction programme required significant labour resources including flexible and out of hours working to complete this project within agreed time frames.
Sourcing, ordering and arranging delivery of materials for a project of this nature demanded precise logistics to ensure continuation of the installation process.
Materials were sourced and imported from as far away as Bali and the USA.
The office staff, supervisors, co-ordinators and electricians have worked as a close, well communicated team alongside Read Construction and Chester Zoo staff and with the backing of suppliers and specialist contractors to deliver this complex project.
