In 2024, DALROD Peterborough received a call to carry out a full site CCTV drainage survey of a large store and its surrounding areas. What unfolded over the following months became one of the most detailed, collaborative, and rewarding projects the team have worked on to date.
A Challenging Start
DALROD were called to a site in the city centre after another company had attempted an earlier survey and subsequently ran into access issues. Our Peterborough engineers were able to resolve these, and a complete survey went ahead. The results showed major scale build-up, concrete deposits, and several sections needing urgent repair. The site is currently in the process of a huge refurbishment project, so it was essential these issues were addressed and remedied as soon as possible.
Just some of the debris discovered and removed from the drainage system.
A Tailored, Flexible Approach
The Peterborough team removed tonnes of scale and concrete from the pipework. Patch repairs were required across pipes ranging from 100mm to 400mm. Some tasks needed additional teams on site due to the size and complexity of the system, parts of which hadn’t been repaired or serviced for decades.
Work began in October 2024 and continued for 13 months. Engineers worked in 7-day shifts to accommodate store schedules and ensure minimal disruption to both the public and other contractors completing work.
With the site being part of a busy shopping centre, a flexible approach was essential to minimise impact on footfall. This meant working many out of hours shifts across the entirety of the project.
Working in Stages
Below-ground drainage was tacked first. Next, additional works on the roof including removal of the internal stacks could commence. Cleaning and repair works followed in carefully planned stages to keep the system functioning throughout the project.
Facing Obstacles
Access problems were a recurring challenge. The Peterborough team uncovered seized caps, old pipework that needed removing, and buried manholes that hadn’t been touched in years. Several manholes required full replacement.
Working with other contractors was also a huge part of the works carried out, reinforcing the need for flexibility and a collaborative approach in large scale projects like this.
Public safety is always a top priority. This was especially important when using heavy equipment such as a hydraulic manhole lifter inside of a busy shopping centre.
Additional Specialist Tasks
One of the standout tasks was the reconnection and replacement of internal suspended pipework. This was a complex job that DALROD Peterborough was proud to deliver. We also completed a range of no-dig repairs and internal pipe replacements to restore the full system.
Strong Project Management
The entire programme was managed by Stuart Dane of DALROD Peterborough, who coordinated teams, schedules, and on-site safety. His oversight kept the project moving smoothly despite its scale.
A Successful Outcome
On completion, the site was left in excellent working order and fully prepared for the new store opening. It was a long and technical project, but our team delivered high quality work from start to finish. The months of dedication and hard work were further cemented by feedback DALROD Peterborough recently received from the client:
“I wanted to take the time to illustrate our appreciation for the hard work which DALROD (Stuart Dane in particular) have put in to get us to a position where we have a full and final clear CCTV Drainage Report for Store A.
The Store itself is a dated asset, and Stuart has taken the challenge on with positivity, drive, and motivation. He has gone above and beyond on several occasions (including sacrificing his personal time) to ensure that the drainage was successful cleared, repaired, and operable.
Stuart’s communication with myself and the project team has been excellent, and he has managed our expectations by ensuring that we were aware of the challenges he was facing and the timeframes which these could be achieved.
We can now share the CCTV Drainage Report for Store A with our Tenant with confidence which is paramount to our mutual client.”
This project is a perfect example of what DALROD does best: solving difficult drainage challenges with commitment, teamwork, and expertise.
