Shenfield & Hutton Water Recycling Centre, Essex, UK

Project Overview

As part of essential upgrade works at the Shenfield & Hutton Water Recycling Centre (WRC), Anglian Water Services Ltd and M Group Water appointed Dura Composites to design, supply, and install intelligent, low embodied carbon d² GRP access structures to replace ageing galvanised steel platforms and walkways.

The installation comprised a new Isophthalic resin d² GRP platform, a raked d² Dura Profile support frame, d² Dura Grating stair treads with yellow DDA-compliant anti-slip nosings, and an edge protection balustrade system – all engineered to enhance safety and ensure long-term performance in a highly corrosive operational environment. The system was secured using A4 stainless steel fixings and yellow powder-coated hold-down clips.

The structures were installed over and around the Archimedes screw pumps – vital equipment used to transfer water from low-lying chambers to higher basins. Known for their durability and efficiency, these pumps require reliable, safe access for regular maintenance and inspection.

Dura’s GRP grating platforms and handrailing now provide a slip-resistant, corrosion-proof solution above the pump housings, supporting safe working conditions for engineers while protecting the critical equipment beneath.

Supporting long-term asset resilience and environmental stewardship.

Anglian Water and M Group Water are committed to safeguarding water supplies, enhancing environmental performance, and managing resources for future generations. Central to this is the extension of asset life and strict compliance with water quality and environmental standards.

Dura’s d² GRP solution directly supports these goals by delivering a low-maintenance, future-ready alternative to traditional materials – purpose-built for demanding water sector environments. As a trusted partner, Dura Composites holds certifications in BS EN ISO 9001 (Quality Management), 14001 (Environmental Management), and 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), alongside Achilles UVDB qualification and a RoSPA Gold Award – reinforcing its ability to deliver safe, sustainable and compliant infrastructure solutions.

Despite a tight project schedule and periods of adverse weather, all milestones were met thanks to detailed planning and the skill of Dura’s confined space installation crews, delivered in partnership with Atlantas Ltd. Their precision and professionalism ensured safe and efficient installation with no disruption to ongoing site operations.

Engineered for longevity, the access structures offer a 60-year design life, backed by a 25-year warranty, and full compliance with WIMES, Anglian Water MAS, and relevant British Standards. Integrated lifting eyes on the stair structures enable easy removal for maintenance purposes.

This sustainable upgrade improves operational safety and access while reflecting Anglian Water and M Group Water’s shared commitment to resilient, forward-thinking infrastructure delivery.

Ensuring the safety and reliability of our assets is a top priority. The previous steel structures were reaching the end of their service life, so we required a modern solution that would deliver long-term durability, improved safety, and minimal maintenance.

Dura Composites provided a robust, fully compliant GRP access system that has significantly improved safety around the Archimedes screw pumps and enabled safe, straightforward access for inspection and maintenance.

Their design and engineering expertise, combined with a highly collaborative approach alongside their delivery partner Atlantas, resulted in a high-quality, futureproof solution that aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term asset resilience.

David Folkard

Project Engineer at M Group Water

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