Westquay Watermark PV Scheme | Construction Solar PV Case Study

HBS New Energies have successfully completed the installation of a 75 kWp solar PV system for Southampton’s new Showcase Cinema de Lux. The integration of solar panels has helped the £85 million pound Westquay leisure scheme achieve its targeted ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating.

WestQuay Watermark is an £85 million mixed-use leisure-led regeneration scheme in Southampton, owned by Hammerson PLC and delivered by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine. Concept Electrical UK Ltd completed the electrical works for the new Showcase Cinema de Lux Southampton and appointed HBS New Energies to manage the design and installation of the projects solar PV requirements.

The 10-screen cinema from operator National Amusements, is now open and will form a key part of the new leisure offering at Westquay Watermark, which will also include 20 new restaurants and an exceptional new piazza for the city.

Project delivery

HBS New Energies worked on behalf of Concept Electrical UK Ltd to provide a specialist full service PV solution. The dedicated project team managed all stages from design, supply and installation right through to testing and commissioning.

Following initial surveys, our in-house design and technical engineers worked in close consultation with the structural engineer to identify the PVC membrane roofs load capacity and required point loadings. This enabled HBS to calculate suitable ballast requirements and finalise a system design that would meet the client’s performance requirements.

Incorporating a solar PV system, alongside energy efficient LED lighting has ensured the sustainable leisure scheme achieves its targeted ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating and will support Hammerson’s Positive Places 2020 CO2 reduction target.
Now commissioned and live, the 75 kWp solar PV system will generate up to 64,865 kWh of zero carbon electricity per year, providing the cinema operator with added security against the impact of rising electricity costs.

In addition to this, the inclusion of solar panels will help to reduce the Showcase Cinema de Lux Southampton and the Westquay development’s overall carbon footprint, with an estimated 34,066 kg of CO2 savings per year.