The Challenge

Under the Building Schools for the Future programme, Greenhead School required a stormwater attenuation system capable of serving large grounds with a sports field and running track. A key constraint was fitting sufficient capacity within the footprint of the track itself, while ensuring controlled discharge to the public sewer and maintaining programme certainty. The site’s tiered layout also called for a system design that could be distributed across multiple levels to suit layout and falls, without compromising hydraulic performance or buildability.

The Solution

ViaCon engineered and delivered a site-wide attenuation system comprising seven steel tanks to balance water across the pipes and the surrounding backfill within an impermeable membrane. The system feeds rainwater into the public sewer at a correctly managed rate.

As the key component of the installation, ViaCon delivered a single 6,541 m³ tank beneath the sports field and running track, believed to be the largest of its kind installed at any UK school, assembled in just 12 working days.

Manufactured to HA Standard BD 12, the steel pipe system was designed to resist temporary construction loads during the build phase, providing structural confidence and installation efficiency.

The Advantage

  • Capacity in a constrained footprint.
  • 6,541 m³ integrated within the track area, supported by six additional tanks across the tiered site.
  • Programme certainty and speed.
  • The stormwater tanks was assembled in 12 working days, enabling timely progress on the wider programme.
  • Built for construction realities.
  • HA BD 12 manufacturing ensured resistance to temporary construction loads during installation.
  • Simplified logistics and safer handline.
  • Lightweight steel pipes enabled quick, straightforward installation by a small, trained team – without heavy lifting gear.
  • Easier inspection and maintenance.
  • Manhole access across the system and silt retention within the pipes allow efficient cleaning when required.
  • Controlled discharge by design.
  • System discharges to the public sewer at a correctly managed rate to suit downstream capacity.

Technical specifications

  • Scope: 6,541 m³ stormwater attenuation system beneath the sports field and running track.
  • Install duration: 12 working days.
  • Standard: Manufactured to HA Standard BD 12.
  • Discharge: Controlled outflow to public sewer.