Doncaster Wool Market – Comprehensive M&E Services for a Historic Revitalisation

Client:
Doncaster Wool Market
Main contractor:
Willmott Dixon
Date:
January 2018
Value:
£550,000

The Wool Market is a cornerstone of Doncaster’s historic Market District, which includes iconic structures such as the Corn Exchange, Fish Market, and Market Hall. As part of the area's extensive regeneration, Heb Mechanical & Electrical was contracted to provide full M&E services that would bring modern functionality to the site while preserving its historic charm.

Project Overview

The Wool Market, located on the eastern edge of Doncaster’s bustling market square, required significant updates to support the needs of modern businesses and visitors. Heb Mechanical & Electrical’s role was integral in transforming the space into a vibrant, multifunctional hub, while seamlessly connecting it to the surrounding Market District.

Working alongside Willmott Dixon, Heb delivered a complete package of mechanical and electrical systems to support retail and food outlets, as well as landlord facilities and visitor services. The project required careful coordination to ensure that the installation of advanced systems respected the historic fabric of the building while providing the efficiency and sustainability needed for its modern use.

Key Installations and Solutions

  • Retail & Food Outlets: Heb installed custom M&E systems across multiple units designed for diverse retail and food vendors. Each unit required tailored infrastructure for heating, ventilation, power, and lighting, ensuring businesses could operate efficiently from day one.

  • Energy-Efficient Heating & Cooling: To support long-term sustainability, Heb integrated energy-efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. These advanced systems not only reduce the market’s environmental footprint but also ensure comfortable conditions for both traders and visitors year-round.

  • Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades: Heb overhauled the market's outdated electrical systems, upgrading them to meet current standards of safety, reliability, and performance. The installation included high-efficiency lighting and power systems that enhance operational effectiveness while keeping energy costs low.

  • Plant Rooms & Cold Storage: Heb Mechanical & Electrical was responsible for the installation of vital plant rooms and cold storage units. These systems were essential for the market’s food vendors, ensuring temperature-sensitive goods could be safely stored and managed in line with health and safety standards.

  • Modern Amenities: As part of the revitalisation, Heb provided mechanical and electrical services for the market’s modern toilet facilities. These new amenities offer improved comfort and accessibility for all visitors, further enhancing the market’s appeal.

  • External Landscaping & Car Park: The project also involved upgrades to the external areas, including the design and installation of a new car park and the redevelopment of hard landscaping around the market. This work was crucial in improving accessibility and ensuring the market blends seamlessly with its surrounding environment.

Key Challenges

One of the most significant challenges in this project was preserving the historic integrity of the Wool Market while integrating modern mechanical and electrical systems. Heb Mechanical & Electrical worked closely with heritage specialists to ensure that all installations were sensitive to the building’s architectural features, while still delivering the functionality required for modern commercial use.

Additionally, coordinating the complex M&E installations with the ongoing construction and refurbishment activities required meticulous planning. Heb's project management team worked alongside Willmott Dixon to ensure that timelines were met, and disruptions were kept to a minimum, allowing for the smooth progression of the project.

Outcome

The revitalised Doncaster Wool Market is now a vibrant focal point within the Market District, offering a dynamic mix of retail and food outlets. Heb Mechanical & Electrical’s expertise in delivering advanced M&E solutions has ensured the long-term sustainability, efficiency, and safety of the market’s operations. The completed project beautifully combines the charm of Doncaster’s rich history with the functionality of modern-day market infrastructure, making the Wool Market a welcoming space for both traders and visitors alike.