A £1m deal will see electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider Be.EV deliver 16 charging bays at Sale Water Park, while the firm also received the go-ahead to create a large-scale green charging ‘Oasis’ in Manchester which will feature a further 16 charging bays.
The firm has also announced a further 2 rapid electric vehicle chargers will be installed on Didsbury’s Wilmslow Road.
Sale Water Park
How the new electric vehicle charging hub will look at Sale Water Park.
The 152-acre parkland and lake will host the largest ultra-rapid EV charging hub in Greater Manchester as a result of the £1m deal between the water park and Be.EV.
Be.EV will install 16 EV charging bays to deliver a combined power of 1.2MW, capable of charging 400 cars a day.
The project is the latest in Be.EV’s wider collaboration with Trafford Council, which has already seen more than 41 chargers go live across the borough.
Trafford Council will retain ownership of the site when the chargers go live in August, while Be.EV will own and maintain the charging hub.
This deal marks an important step in the council’s mission to ensure that every Trafford resident lives within 10 minutes of an EV charger.
Asif Ghafoor, chief executive of Be.EV, said:“The unique technology will make it easier than ever for visitors looking to charge their cars whilst out on the water, enjoying the scenery, or simply taking a break from travelling on the motorway.
“The site is also a testament to Trafford Council’s ambition to have a real impact on Greater Manchester and take the necessary steps towards a net zero future.”
Cllr Aidan Williams, executive member for climate change at Trafford Council, said: “Since the council declared a climate emergency in 2018, we have committed to a range of activities in an effort to achieve zero carbon status for the borough as soon as possible.
“This includes the delivery of projects that encourage people to make more journeys by bike, on foot, or using public transport. However, we fully understand that this is not always possible and that it’s vital we support people to have cleaner, greener vehicles.”
Oldham Road
How the new electric vehicle charging oasis on Oldham Road will look
Be.EV’s plans for a further 16 EV bays in the Newton Heath area of Manchester have now also been approved.
Designed by Architect That, the site will include commercial space for local businesses and provide ultra-rapid charging, including accessible and van-suitable spaces, as well as secure charging for electric bicycles.
Formerly a petrol station, the site has been vacant for more than 15 years. Trees and biodiversity will form an integral part of the site’s design. The former petrol station that has been vacant for more than 15 years will feature a wildflower garden will form a natural boundary along one side of the site. Other planted areas throughout will include herbaceous perennials, shrubs and grasses. The site has committed to a “net-biodiversity uplift”, to bring nature back into the area.
Solar panels will be included to further improve the carbon footprint of the development, by providing clean-energy for the operation of the commercial space. The retail building and forecourt roof will feature a biodiverse planting of native British species, specifically selected for the region.
Mature trees will surround the charging ring and dominate the design, bringing with them further animal & birdlife to the site.
The chargers will be powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy, ensuring the move to a green transport system is achieved.
Be.EV CEO Asif Ghafoor said: “We’re delighted to launch works for our very first charging Oasis on Reliance Street.
“Our plan for Reliance Street is truly innovative and reflects Be.EV’s ambition to lead the way in reimagining public infrastructure – creating great charging experiences for today and for the future.
“We worked with the talented team at Architect That to design a site that is not only functional but delivers regeneration in the local area, looks fantastic, and responds to the needs of the local community as it offers so much more than just charging.
“These sites will absorb carbon and clean the air whilst providing EV drivers with a calm, green environment to relax in while they’re charging. The site is also designed to maximise the number of charging bays to accelerate equitable access to the future of electric vehicles.
“It’s a real privilege to continue our partnership with Manchester City Council with this cutting-edge project. The more local authorities who follow their example, the more clean and sustainable our communities will become.”
Be.EV ran a public consultation on the proposals last September, with plans submitted in May.
Avison Young is the planning consultant for the scheme. Also on the project team is landscape architect DEP and electrical engineer Schneider Electric.
Learn more about the plans by searching for application number 136359/FO/2023 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
Didsbury
Elsewhere in Manchester, Be.EV has partnered with Northern Group to install two rapid electric vehicle chargers on Wilmslow Road in Didsbury. These rapid chargers can charge a typical electric car to 80% in 20 minutes to an hour, compared to four to six hours on a 7kW fast charger.
Paul Dobbs, Chief Operating Officer of Northern Group said “We’ve seen an increase in demand for EV charging, and realised how beneficial it would be, not only for the environment, but also for our tenants to have the convenience of easy access to electric chargers at our development.
“Providing a service of this high quality is all part of our mission to future-proof our sites and ensure that they’re just as efficient in 30 years as they are today.”
