There were celebrations on the Network Plus Cadent CMO earlier this month when a challenging iron gas mains replacement programme was completed more than two weeks ahead of schedule.
In 2021, at the start of the GD2 regulatory period, Cadent committed to upgrading more than 1,918km of iron pipelines – up to and including 8” in diameter – across the North West by 31 March 2026.
Network Plus Chief Executive, Kevin Fowlie, says:
“My congratulations go to everybody involved – you should be very proud of what is a fantastic achievement. This is a moment of celebration for all those who have played a part in delivering this important work.”
Since 2021 Network Plus has been the construction management organisation (CMO) for Cadent, managing local delivery partners to complete both mains and non‑mains replacement programmes across the region.
Kevin Fowlie continues:
“This was a hugely significant contract award for our business at the time, with Cadent placing their trust in Network Plus to achieve high standards for Cadent customers and build strong relationships with critical partners. Our key priorities at that time were safety, customer service and delivery, and they remain our key priorities to this day.”
Lucy Sterry, Head of Work Management (North West), Cadent, adds:
“This has been an incredible achievement, to upgrade more than 1,900km of pipe over five years. Think of it this way, that’s the same distance as Manchester to Rome.
“While we take a moment to celebrate, we also press on, to take the North West’s share of the UK-wide 30:30* programme through to its conclusion by 2032. This is a huge and significant programme, designed to deliver a safe, resilient, cleaner, greener local gas network into the long-term.
“Thank you to everyone – Cadent, Network Plus, local delivery and other key partners – for your important contributions to making this happen.”
Cadent is set to enter a new, five-year regulatory period from the 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031, targeting more than 2,000km of pipeline replacement, with the continuing support of Network Plus.
*Ageing iron and other metallic gas pipes which are within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced, UK-wide, as part of a 30-year programme which began in 2002 – hence it is known as the 30:30 programme.
