Yorkshire Sculpture Park Selects WPL Wastewater Treatment

Designed by award-winning architectural practice Feilden & Fowles, which specialises in environmentally sustainable buildings, The Weston is naturally ventilated and features an air-source heat pump and a dense green roof. It also incorporates a pioneering low-energy environmental control system to maintain favourable conditions in the gallery all year round.

Hampshire-based WPL was originally approached by buildings and services consultancy Skelly & Couch following a lunch-and-learn CPD seminar with technical sales manager Dominic Hamblin. The WPL Off-Mains Drainage Seminar is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and explains the options available when mains sewerage is not possible.

The Environment Agency consent for YSP required high quality discharge to the River Dearne and WPL provided a high specification two-tank modular WPL HiPAF – high performance aerated filter – treatment system. The HiPAF was installed by Alive Construction along with duty-standby blowers and GSM telemetry, also provided by WPL, to give extra resilience.

The bespoke system is designed for a maximum flow of 18m³/d, discharge of 22kg/d biological oxygen demand (BOD) and 3kg/d ammonia.

YSP welcomes 500,000 visitors annually and required a system that could manage the seasonal fluctuations in load while complementing the environmental ambitions of the wider project.

Most importantly, the underground treatment system makes minimal visual impact on the site, fitting sympathetically into the historic landscape which boasts works by Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Andy Goldsworthy. The Weston includes a restaurant, gallery, public foyer and shop and is set into a hillside in a former quarry.

Dominic Hamblin said, “This project has been a pleasure to work on. I’m very proud that WPL is playing a role in bringing more people to Yorkshire Sculpture Park by providing wastewater treatment for this stunning new visitor centre and returning a steady flow of high quality treated water to the environment.”

Gareth Jones, managing director WPL said, “We are pleased to have been selected to provide the wastewater treatment system for Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s inspiring new visitor centre. This contract builds on our success in the tourism and leisure market where seasonal flows, environmental protection and visual aesthetics are major considerations for our clients and their customers.”

Peter Murray CBE, executive and founding director of YSP said: “We’re excited to complete construction on The Weston which is an important part of Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s future.

The new centre is a reflection of our ambition to increase long-term resilience and sustainability by building audiences, further developing our artistic programme, and increasing visitor income.

“We are very grateful to the many different organisations who have made this project possible, including our visitors who have provided invaluable support.”

More News and Articles