Delivering the UK’s first indoor ultra-rapid EV charging hub 

At Grampian House in Aberdeen, EV infrastructure is being redefined, transforming a historic warehouse into the UK’s first indoor ultra-rapid charging hub. Located within a constrained urban site, the project combines heritage preservation with advanced engineering, creating a new model for high-performance EV infrastructure in city environments. 

As design and delivery partner, we are working in close collaboration with Fastned to develop a fully integrated charging facility within the existing structure. This requires a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach, balancing structural adaptation, fire safety, ventilation, electrical infrastructure and customer experience within a retained building envelope. 

This project represents a significant step forward in EV infrastructure design, demonstrating how existing assets can be repurposed to support the transition to electric mobility at scale. 

From industrial warehouse to high-performance EV hub 

The transformation of Grampian House requires a fundamental rethinking of how charging infrastructure is delivered. 

Rather than developing a new-build solution, the project retains the existing warehouse steel frame and building fabric, whilst introducing a drive-through charging layout within the structure. This approach reduces environmental impact while creating a sheltered, accessible environment for users, particularly suited to the demands of a northern climate.  

The proposed layout introduces twelve ultra-rapid charging bays, integrated within a carefully planned internal forecourt. Supporting infrastructure includes substation installation, HV and LV electrical distribution, and below-ground ducting and drainage, ensuring the capacity and resilience required for high-power charging.  

Integrating engineering, design and customer experience 

Delivering an indoor charging hub requires more than infrastructure, it demands a fully integrated environment that supports both operational performance and user experience. 

The scheme incorporates a drive-through layout to improve accessibility and throughput, alongside internal amenities including retail, seating and welfare facilities. The design also introduces landscaping, lighting and wayfinding elements, creating a high-quality environment within the existing structure.  

Externally and internally, the building is reimagined through new cladding, glazing and canopy elements, while retaining and adapting key structural components. This balance between preservation and innovation is central to the project’s success, enabling a modern EV facility to operate within a legacy asset. 

Engineering certainty in a complex environment 

Working within an existing structure introduces significant technical and regulatory complexity. 

The project requires detailed structural assessment and modification of the existing steel frame, alongside the development of a compliant fire strategy, specialist ventilation systems and coordinated building services integration. As part of our role, we are leading design coordination through to RIBA Stage 5, acting as Principal Designer and ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements.  

Our approach focuses on certainty engineering, bringing together design, constructability and delivery expertise to manage risk, maintain programme and ensure quality across all disciplines. 

A new model for urban EV infrastructure 

FastNed Aberdeen represents a new approach to EV charging, demonstrating how existing urban assets can be repurposed into high-capacity, future-ready infrastructure. 

By combining heritage sensitivity with advanced engineering, we are delivering a scalable model for indoor EV charging hubs, all capable of supporting growing demand while improving user experience and reducing environmental impact. 

This project reinforces our ability to deliver complex, multi-disciplinary EV infrastructure and positions us as a trusted partner in shaping the next generation of charging environments.