GRIDSERVE starts construction on Markham Vale Electric Forecourt®

GRIDSERVE have begun construction on the next Electric Forecourt®. The fifth Electric Forecourt® from GRIDSERVE will serve the visitors, local businesses and communities around Markham Vale and the wider Derbyshire area.

Located near Junction 29A of the M1, and conveniently placed for passing motorway traffic, the new Electric Forecourt® is scheduled to open this winter. It’s a significant milestone for area and clean energy, with the opening coinciding with the 30^th anniversary of the coal mine at Markham Colliery officially closing.

Once completed, Markham Vale Electric Forecourt® will enable 30 electric vehicles to be charged simultaneously, with High Power chargers that can deliver up to 360kW, capable of adding 100 miles of range in less than 5 minutes. Multiple charging connectors will cater for all types of electric vehicles with contactless payment accepted, making it easier than ever to charge. The site will be powered by net zero carbon energy as GRIDSERVE continues to make vital changes to the UK EV infrastructure to support the decarbonisation of transport and move the needle on climate change.

While charging, visitors can enjoy a coffee in the comfortable waiting lounge with free superfast WiFi, plus convenience retail, a children’s play area and a dedicated EV educational space to increase understanding and awareness around electric vehicles. The Electric Forecourt® will include disabled parking, access ramps, accessible washrooms and lifts to all areas, making easy charging accessible to all.

Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Experience Officer, said: “We are happy to keep the momentum going with our award-winning Electric Forecourts® following the success opening of London Gatwick Electric Forecourt®. We have found with our Electric Forecourt® sites that they serve as an excellent hub for the local community and can help with the uptake of electric vehicles. Electric Forecourts® offer the best charging and retail experience available and we can’t wait to welcome new and returning customers to the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt®.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “GRIDSERVE’s new Electric Forecourt® will be a great addition to Markham Vale right next to the M1 motorway. It will help to give motorists the confidence to make the switch to an electric vehicle and move us closer to our target of getting hundreds more public facing electric vehicle charge points in place throughout the county.

“Decarbonising transport is one of our top priorities as part of our climate change strategy which aims to reduce emissions generated by the county council to net zero by 2032 or sooner and help the rest of Derbyshire reduce carbon emissions generated within the county to net zero by 2050 or sooner.”

David Wells, Director at HBD, the landlord of the site, said: “We’re pleased to be able to welcome GRIDSERVE to Markham Vale as work starts on site. The project will enhance the scheme’s amenity offer, while also strengthening Derbyshire’s sustainability ambitions. We look forward to working alongside GRIDSERVE as the new Electric Forecourt® takes shape.”

GRIDSERVE’s Electric Highway now has over 175 locations with more than 1,200 charging bays, with 11 new locations with 90 charging bays opened in the first three months of 2024.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
Attendees in featured image (L-R): Adrian Chaima – Project Manager – HBD, James Dawson-Goodey – Senior Development Manager – GRIDSERVE, Laura Hardy – Chief Communication Officer – GRIDSERVE, Heather Page – Chief Marketing Officer – GRIDSERVE, Peter Storey – Head of MEGZ – Derbyshire County Council, Gareth Wilkson – Head of Construction – GRIDSERVE, Rebecca Trebble – Chief Customer Experience Officer, Mick Wilkie – Senior Project Manager – GRIDSERVE, Cllr Tony King – Cabinet member for Clean Growth and Regeneration – Derbyshire County Council, Ian Tyson – Operations Manager – Clegg Group, Oliver Jenkins – Business Development Manager – Clegg Group.