Acting as principal contractor, we supported First Bus at their Hengrove depot, delivering a fully integrated electric vehicle charging solution, and the largest and most ambitious gantry installation undertaken by First Bus to date.
From depot infrastructure to electrification capability
The Hengrove depot forms a key part of First Bus’s wider strategy to decarbonise its fleet and modernise its operational infrastructure. Delivering this transition required more than installing charging points. It required a solution that could be embedded into a live depot environment while supporting long-term performance and future fleet growth.
We delivered a full turnkey solution, including electrical design for EV charging systems and site lighting, alongside the procurement and installation of overhead gantry infrastructure. This was supported by the integration of power distribution systems, containment, and associated depot-wide services. The completed depot now has the capability to charge up to 100 buses simultaneously, providing the capacity required for large-scale fleet electrification.
From the outset, our focus was on delivering infrastructure that not only met immediate requirements, but provided a reliable and scalable platform to support ongoing electrification.
Delivering integrated infrastructure at scale
A defining element of the project was the installation of five 70-metre overhead gantry structures, designed to support high-powered EV chargers, cable reels, and power banks across the depot. These systems were delivered as part of a fully coordinated electrical infrastructure, ensuring efficient power distribution and operational flexibility.
Alongside this, we delivered full electrical design, installation, and commissioning of all associated systems, including containment, distribution equipment, CCTV, access control, and EV-specific line marking. Each element was integrated to ensure the depot operates as a cohesive and efficient environment, with systems designed to support both current operations and future expansion.
By taking an integrated approach, we ensured that all infrastructure elements worked together effectively, reducing delivery risk and supporting long-term performance.
Working within a live operational environment
Maintaining depot operations throughout the project was a critical requirement. The Hengrove site remained fully active, with daily bus movements continuing while construction activities progressed. Through working in close collaboration with the First Bus depot team to coordinate activities safely and efficiently within a live environment, we carefully planned and sequenced work packages to align with operational requirements, ensuring that services were not disrupted at any stage of the programme.
Where challenges arose, solutions were developed quickly to minimise impact. A proposed gas diversion that would have required a full shutdown of the depot was redesigned to eliminate any interruption to supply, avoiding both operational disruption and additional cost and delays linked to third-party connection works were mitigated through re-sequencing of activities, maintaining overall programme continuity. This approach enabled uninterrupted depot operations throughout the delivery of a complex infrastructure programme.
“We were thoroughly impressed with the performance of N G Bailey and Site Manager Jason Worthington during the delivery of the EV infrastructure project at our bus depot, supporting a fleet of 74 electric vehicles. The project was technically complex and required careful planning to maintain full operational capacity throughout. Jason's leadership on site was outstanding, his proactive approach, clear communication, and close coordination with our team ensured the work progressed smoothly with minimal disruption to our services. Thanks to NG Bailey’s expertise and Jason’s dedication, the installation was completed efficiently and to a high standard, all while keeping the depot fully operational. We would gladly work with them again on future projects. ”
Shaun KnappEngineering Manager, FirstBus
Supporting future fleet transition
The Hengrove depot now provides a robust and scalable platform to support First Bus’s ongoing transition to electric vehicles. The infrastructure has been designed to accommodate future fleet expansion, ensuring that the depot can evolve alongside operational and technological requirements.
By delivering an integrated solution that combines engineering expertise with practical delivery, we supported First Bus in establishing a key asset within its electrification programme and ensuring a new generation of electric buses is supported.
The project demonstrates our capability to deliver complex EV infrastructure at scale within live operational environments, providing clients with solutions that are reliable, coordinated, and built for long-term performance.
