Helping to encourage Woolwich Ferry users to make use of electric cars, CVU is constructing an eight-car rapid charging hub with eight additional parking spaces. The hub will make use of previously unused land, adjacent to the Woolwich Ferry. The project began in August 2020 and CVU’s work is due to be completed by February 2021.

The works include the installation of a continuous ‘Z’ piled retaining wall, a new UK Power Networks electrical substation, as well as a reinforced concrete foundation to support a timber frame roof canopy and solar panels. The CVU team will also include a rain garden*¹, drainage system, ducting, kerbing, resurfacing, lining and signage. Mindful of the site being classed as long-term unused, and the depth of excavation, CVU is working with consideration to the heritage and environment, with an archaeologist present on site to monitor possible findings throughout.

CVU has already completed the piling operation, and due to the combined sewer, which traverses the site, a Giken*² silent piling rig was used to ensure no damage was caused to the sewer.

The multi-rapid charging hub will have the facility to charge cars within one-hour and will use solar panels for zero-energy street lighting.

Commenting on the project, Vince Gannon, CVU’s project manager, said: “This is a really exciting project to be working on as we continue to reduce London’s carbon footprint by providing facilities that encourage the use of electric vehicles. I look forward to seeing the works progress over the next few months.”

*¹Rain garden – a garden of shrubs planted in a small depression, used to hold and soak in rainwater runoff from hard surfaces

*²Giken – a vibration-free, hydraulically driven piling method