Going Underground

We know that striking the balance in the relationship between infrastructure and the natural environment can be challenging. Both are important and both need to be protected and improved. This isn't always easy, but National Grid is leading the way with its latest Visual Impact Provision (VIP) portfolio, aiming to conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and environmental heritage while maintaining the electricity network the nation relies on.

Nestled in the countryside and neighbouring the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, National Grid’s Dorset VIP project spans an 8.8km stretch in rural Southern England and marks the permanent removal of 22 electricity pylons. Mace played an integral part in one of the most transformative, stakeholder-led projects in a generation, managing this complex scheme in an environmentally important location.

The pioneering project involved the replacement of a segment of the high-voltage overhead transmission line – originally built in the 1960s – with underground power cables. For the project to be successful, the team had to overcome significant landscape challenges. These required specialised equipment, such as a specialist excavator, which was brought in to deal with the steep slopes, and temporary modifications including the building of an ‘Alpine pass’. 

Mace provided project, programme and construction management, alongside safety, health, environment and quality services. Operating in close partnership with the client, we managed stakeholders and engaged impacted communities to ensure timely and accurate updates on project progression. By instilling a ‘one team’ mentality, our focus on bringing together our knowledge and experience of best practice enabled us to dismantle all 22 towers two months ahead of schedule.

Building strong relationships with key stakeholders is best practice, and so the team made it a priority to foster a positive rapport with community members through consistent engagement during the planning and construction phases. This rapport meant that the community played a pivotal role, advocating for funding and contributing to segment selection. 

The project also contributed to the community through extensive archaeological finds, resulting in the unearthing of over 50,000 artefacts which will be returned to the County Museum in Dorchester for the community and wider public to enjoy. In partnership with National Grid, Mace will continue working to maintain the land and foster solid collaboration between the project and its stakeholders.

The National Grid's Visual Impact Provision project in Dorset stands as a pioneering example of harmonising infrastructure development with environmental conservation, stakeholder collaboration, and historical preservation, setting a benchmark for transformative projects in sensitive landscapes.