Bespoke Access Platforms and Staircases Completed at Whitlingham WRC
Location: Whitlingham WRC, Norfolk
Project Value: £332k
Additional project works valued at £230k were also undertaken for Anglian Water, including the installation of platforms and a pipe bridge for bio gas.
Project Overview
Steelway carried out the design, fabrication and installation of extensive platforms, staircases and handrailing for two new 4,200m3 anaerobic digesters at Whitlingham Water Recycling Centre (WRC).
This project was a highly technical build delivered as part of a major strategic upgrade by Anglian Water. The wider scheme focused on improving the site's long-term sludge treatment capacity, resilience and operational safety. Steelway’s task was to provide comprehensive, safe access to the newly constructed digester roofs and associated biogas infrastructure. Operating within a live treatment works and strict DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) zones, adding significant complexity to the design and installation process.
From the outset, Steelway was closely involved in spatial planning and detailing. We collaborated with multiple project partners to ensure our access systems integrated seamlessly with the new process technologies and tank structures. The aim was to create a safe, practical and highly durable access solution that met strict environmental regulations without expanding the site footprint.
How the Project Came Together
The installation was carefully sequenced to align with the wider construction strategy, ensuring minimal disruption to the live, continuous operations of the site.
First, our design team worked closely with the principal contractors and tank suppliers to detail the multi-level staircases required to reach the top of the massive new digesters. Getting these connection points and alignments right during the early phases was critical to avoiding clashes with the complex mechanical and electrical (M&E) services, heat exchangers, and new gas pipework being installed concurrently.
Once the main structures of the digesters were in place, our installation teams moved in to fit the staircases, high-level access platforms and extensive perimeter handrailing. Because this is a high-risk DSEAR environment dealing with biogas, real precision was required. Every platform and walkway was designed to ensure safe, straightforward access for site personnel who will monitor and maintain the upgraded thermal hydrolysis plant and gas infrastructure.
"The Whitlingham WRC upgrade was a strategically vital project that required navigating the complexities of a live site and strict DSEAR environments. Our team worked closely with the Anglian Water and other supply chain partners to ensure our staircases and platforms integrated perfectly with the new anaerobic digesters. We are proud to have delivered an access system that guarantees the highest levels of safety and functionality for the site's operational teams." - Dan Butler, Key Project Lead
Delivering Results
The access platforms and staircases at Whitlingham WRC are the result of robust option development, clear communication and a logical construction sequence. What was a challenging installation within a heavily constrained, operational environment has been delivered as a well-integrated, safe and reliable access system.
The finished structures not only support the immediate needs of the new anaerobic digesters and biogas systems, but also provide durable, long-term access for the teams maintaining Whitlingham WRC as it meets the demands of regional growth.
From surveying to installation, our team has been hands-on every step of the way, ensuring that every detail aligns with the strict water industry standards.
To learn more about our products and services and how we can help improve your projects, call 01902 451733 or sales@steelway.co.uk
