At JDP (John Davidson Pipes), a leading provider of drainage solutions, we're proud to have played a vital role in the ongoing Fairfax House development in Manchester. This prestigious project, which began in February 2024, will see the creation of a landmark mixed-use development featuring 488 high-quality build-to-rent apartments, and JDP's expertise in drainage solutions is helping ensure its success.
Overview
Location: Portugal Street East, Manchester
Customer: Stephenson Group
Project: Fairfax House Build-to-Rent Apartments
The Challenge
Stephenson Group, a key contractor on the project, needed an efficient, cost-effective, and compliant drainage system for 488 high-quality, high-rise, built-to-rent apartments.
JDP's Solution
JDP partnered with Stephenson Group to provide a comprehensive drainage solution through a free take-off service, value engineering expertise, ongoing technical support, and high-performance products. This included:ULTRA3 Pipes & Fittings, Twinwall Pipes & Fittings, Fabricated Fittings, AXEDO® 450 and AXEDO 600 Inspection Chamber Bases, Concrete Manholes, and ACO Q-Brake Flow Control.
The Result
JDP's involvement delivered cost savings, improved safety on the construction site, reduced environmental impact, and fostered a strong partnership with the contractor.
About the Project
The Fairfax House development, currently underway in Manchester, promises to redefine the city's skyline with the construction of 488 high-quality, build-to-rent apartments. It is a collaboration between Olympian Homes Ltd and AECOM Capital with a shared vision of urban regeneration. Located just a five-minute walk from Piccadilly train station and directly opposite the proposed High Speed 2 terminal, Fairfax House is poised to become a central hub in Manchester.
The development encompasses two towers, one reaching 23 stories and the other 29, contributing to a significant transformation of the area north of Piccadilly Station. As part of the Portugal Street East Strategic Regeneration Framework, the project aims to create a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use environment and is expected to deliver approximately 2 million square feet of development space.
How were JDP Involved?
JDP was approached by Stephenson Group, a leading contractor on the Fairfax House project. Recognising the importance of a reliable drainage solution for such a large-scale development, they sought our expertise to ensure a high-performance and efficient drainage system.
A dedicated team comprising Neal Johnson (Sales Executive), Ollie King (KA Supervisor), and Sam Graty (KA Internal Sales) worked closely with Stephenson Group's Senior Engineer, Paul McCarthy, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project's specific needs. Their open communication and history of collaboration led to our technical team's involvement in providing a free drainage take-off for the project. This detailed document included a manhole schedule, a precise bill of quantities, job notes, and a competitive quote, all tailored to meet the specific demands of the Fairfax House development.
Offering the Complete Solution
By analysing the initial project drawings, our technical team were able to identify opportunities for value engineering while maintaining adherence to all relevant building codes and regulations. Based on the findings from the take-off, their expertise allowed them to recommend a comprehensive suite of drainage solutions that included:
ULTRA3 Pipe and Fittings
JDP's flagship ULTRA3 pipes and fittings range played a key role in the project. This robust and lightweight drainage solution, manufactured with a minimum of 40% recycled content, offered exceptional performance and environmental benefits. The project utilised various diameters of ULTRA3 pipe, including 110mm and 250mm sizes, to cater to different drainage requirements.
AXEDO® Inspection Chambers
JDP's innovative AXEDO inspection chamber range provided a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional concrete manholes in several instances. This substitution not only reduced product costs but also minimised groundwork expenses associated with concrete installations. The project incorporated a variety of AXEDO inspection chambers, including AXEDO 450 chambers and AXEDO 600 chambers in swept cross and straight configurations to facilitate access points for drainage system maintenance.
Twinwall Pipe and Fittings
Additional drainage requirements for the project were addressed with the inclusion of a variety of Twinwall pipes and fittings.
Concrete Manholes
While AXEDO chambers offered a viable alternative for many applications, JDP also supplied a specific number of concrete manholes to ensure the project's overall drainage plan was met.
Fabricated Fittings
Our in-house fabrication capabilities ensured the project had access to any custom-made fittings required for a seamless drainage system.
ACO Q-Brake Flow Control
An innovative product that helps manage surface water flow rates, preventing potential flooding issues.
What was the Result?
JDP's contribution to the project amounted to approximately £16-£20,000 of drainage and civils materials for the ground floor development. Beyond simply supplying high-quality drainage products, however, the involvement of our technical team played a crucial role in the project's success.
By combining a free take-off service, a tailored product mix, precise quantities, value engineering expertise, and a commitment to sustainable solutions, JDP ensured the Fairfax House project received a comprehensive and efficient drainage system that benefited from:
- Reduced Costs and Improved Efficiency - JDP's solutions offered cost savings through various means. The AXEDO inspection chamber range provided a lighter and faster alternative to traditional concrete manholes, reducing both product and labour costs associated with installation. Similarly, the use of ULTRA3 pipe for the sewer diversion minimised material costs and simplified the installation process compared to concrete.
- Safety First Approach - JDP prioritises safety on every project. The AXEDO and ULTRA3 solutions are significantly lighter than their concrete counterparts, minimising manual handling risks and promoting a safer work environment for construction crews.
- Environmental Responsibility - Sustainability is a core value at JDP. By utilising lightweight plastic pipes and inspection chambers, the project's carbon footprint associated with material transportation was considerably reduced. This commitment to eco-friendly solutions aligns with the growing focus on sustainable construction practices.
- Technical Expertise to Ensure Compliance - JDP's involvement ensured that all drainage products used on the project adhered to the relevant regulations, providing peace of mind for the client and the project as a whole.
Our technical team’s meticulous approach to accurately assessing the project's drainage needs also ensured that our sales teams could deliver the right materials to the site in a timely manner and quickly adapt to unforeseen changes, minimising potential delays for the contractor.
This focus on exceptional service and innovative solutions is indicative of how we try to approach every project brought to us. The Fairfax House development remains a work in progress, and JDP is proud to be a partner in its success.Building Strong Partnerships
JDP's collaborative approach and commitment to exceeding client expectations continue to build a strong and valued working relationship with Stephenson Group.
Ollie King, JDP's Key Accounts Supervisor, shares his perspective on the successful partnership:
We're fortunate to have a strong working relationship with Stephenson Group, having collaborated on numerous projects nationwide over the past few years. Early on, we introduced them to our technical team and have managed to build a close working tie, allowing us the opportunity to promote our own products and value-engineered ideas around their designs.
Speaking specifically about the Fairfax House project, Ollie said:
For the Fairfax House project, the technical team, site manager and myself looked at various stages of the project separately to work out what was needed and where it would be utilised, rather than providing a heap of materials for the whole job in one go for the site to then reverse engineer.
The major benefit of this was that, as the project began to take shape and unexpected design changes had to be considered, our plan could quickly adapt, and the team in JDP Manchester could react to get goods to the site in a timely manner, reducing the chance of site hold-ups.
We had a great advantage of having a very experienced site manager to go back and forth who would take on different ideas, but could also discuss the practicalities of site, foreseeing potential issues and identifying proper solutions.
JDP's successful collaboration with Stephenson Group on the Fairfax House development demonstrates the value we can bring as a partner. Through a combination of high-quality products and technical expertise, JDP is well-positioned to contribute to future projects like Fairfax House.
More than a Merchant
At JDP (John Davidson Pipes), we believe exceptional service goes beyond supplying high-quality products. Our technical team provides invaluable support, including free take-offs, which streamline the design process for clients. This dedication to exceptional service is a cornerstone of our philosophy.
JDP (John Davidson Pipes) offers a comprehensive range of drainage solutions to suit any project requirement. To discuss your project needs or request a free take-off, contact our technical support team.
