Camberley, Surrey
Sector: Infrastructure & Utilities
Building Type: Modular
Procurement Method: Sale
Key Project Facts
- 2-storey modular buildings delivered
- 2 buildings | 16 modular bays total
- Approx. 5,120 sq ft / 476 m² of operational space
- Delivered from enquiry to handover in ~9 months
- Temporary facility in place within weeks
- Supports multi-disciplinary teams
- Fully building regulations compliant
- PV panels installed
- Operational continuity – zero downtime
Delivering a fully operational depot under tight time pressure
Lanes Group were the first to reach out, needing an urgent space. When E-Mech, working on behalf of Thames Water and Lanes Group Ltd, approached Portable Offices, the requirement was both urgent and complex. Lanes Group needed to relocate quickly from their existing depot in Chertsey to Camberley Sewage Treatment Works to allow ongoing site works and business expansion to continue.
This was not simply a case of providing office space. The team required a fully functioning depot environment – including offices, meeting rooms, welfare facilities, and changing areas – capable of supporting operational, engineering, and administrative staff from day one.
Including:
Office and meeting spaces
Canteen and welfare areas
Toilets, showers, and DDA-compliant facilities
Changing rooms with fitted lockers
Full fire alarm systems and air conditioning
Photovoltaic (PV) panels to support energy efficiency
A Solution Built Around Compliance and Longevity
Initial discussions centred around a like-for-like replacement, however it quickly became clear that a non-compliant solution would not meet the long-term needs of the business. Working closely with the client, Portable Offices guided the project towards a fully building regulations-compliant modular solution… ensuring the facility would stand the test of time and align with future operational requirements.
The final solution comprised two purpose-built, two-storey modular buildings, each configured in a 2-on-4 layout. These units were heavily fitted out to create a complete depot environment.
Keeping Operations Moving
One of the defining challenges of the project was time. While the modular build programme required approximately 12 weeks, the client needed to vacate their existing site within 8 weeks.
To bridge this gap, Portable Offices provided a temporary accommodation solution (including offices, welfare facilities, and support infrastructure) allowing Lanes Group to continue operating without interruption while the permanent buildings were being manufactured and installed.
Further challenges included complex site conditions, including traffic management within a live 24/7 operational environment and the need for strict access control procedures. Additional obstacles such as delays in mains power connection were overcome through the provision of temporary generators, ensuring continuity at every stage.
A Facility Ready for the Future
From initial enquiry through to handover the project demonstrated the value of a collaborative and flexible approach. Despite technical challenges, evolving requirements, and tight timelines, the result is a high-quality, fully compliant facility that supports both current operations and future growth.
The feedback from the client reflects this success – highlighting not only the quality of the finished buildings, but also the speed of response and the ability to maintain operational continuity throughout the transition.
Built for What Comes Next
The new facility has given Lanes Group a clean, professional, and scalable working environment, with the capacity to support additional staff as the business grows.
It has provided a proven model for future sites – with further opportunities already being explored across the Thames Water network.
This project demonstrates how, when time is critical and complexity is high, the right solution is not just about buildings – it’s about understanding operations, managing risk, and delivering with confidence.
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