RICHMOND PARK
Great Places Housing Group
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Broad Oak CS was proud to deliver a comprehensive programme of retrofit and optimisation works at Richmond Park in Sheffield—a multi-building residential development managed by Great Places Housing Group.
Acting under the direction of principal contractor FairHeat, our team played a key role in delivering high-impact improvements to the site’s communal heat networks. The works formed part of a targeted response to a Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) optimisation assessment completed in 2022.
Richmond Park consists of multiple residential blocks, each with its own dedicated 2-pipe communal heating system—nine in total. Each system is fed by a separate energy centre and supplies both space heating and domestic hot water (DHW) to residents.
With ageing infrastructure in place, the scheme required a coordinated and technically robust upgrade strategy to improve performance across all layers of the network.
SCOPE OF WORKS
Plant Room Upgrades
Improved boiler sequencing for better efficiency
Removed oversized pumps and installed efficient sets
Added filtration units to improve water quality
Reinsulated pipework to reduce heat loss
Installed smart controls for real-time monitoring
Network Upgrades
Reinsulated pipework to minimise heat loss
Installed Guru smart meters for live energy tracking
In-Dwelling Improvements
Removed old hot water cylinders
Installed new heat interface units (HIUs)
Fitted smart heating controls and prepayment systems
Upgraded radiator valves for better temperature control
Reinsulated internal pipework
Added safety valves to prevent scalding
CHALLENGES &
OUR SOLUTIONS
Aging Infrastructure & Variability Across Dwellings
We addressed this by conducting detailed pre-surveys and developing modular installation strategies that could adapt to each unique dwelling.
Minimising Resident Disruption
We worked closely with FairHeat and Great Places to communicate clearly with residents, using a phased and well-coordinated schedule to minimise inconvenience. Our resident liaison team ensured strong engagement and satisfaction throughout the project
RESULTS & OUTCOMES
Efficiency Gains
Significant reductions in network heat loss and pump energy usage were achieved.
Improved System Control
Plant sequencing was optimised, while smart controls empowered residents to manage their own heating more effectively.
Regulatory Compliance
All works were delivered in line with CIBSE CP1 and relevant building standards.
Resident Comfort
Enhanced temperature control, consistent hot water delivery, and reduced heating bills contributed to a better living environment.
Broad Oak CS’s delivery of the Richmond Park heat network upgrades has helped transform this aging infrastructure into a modern, efficient, and resident-focused energy system. In partnership with FairHeat and Great Places Housing Group, we are proud to have played a key role in a project that demonstrates the value of end-to-end heat network optimisation.