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heavy-duty access chambers

How Clark-Drain’s Modular Access Chambers are meeting the evolving demands of UK infrastructure

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Clark-Drain has expanded its portfolio of British-made access and drainage products with a modular, heavy-duty chamber range designed to meet the increasing performance demands of modern infrastructure projects. The chambers – manufactured in the East of England from recycled polypropylene – combine bespoke construction with high load-bearing strength, rapid installation, and compliance with stringent defence, civils and utilities specifications.

Modular by design, engineered for specification

Developed from decades of customer insight and application expertise, Clark-Drain’s chamber range is built to suit the exact requirements of each project. The system can be configured to multiple sizes and assembled to meet sector-specific standards, including Ministry of Defence JSP604, Ministry of Justice specifications, and a wide range of civils infrastructure criteria.

The chambers support an equally wide variety of applications: defence and secure data cabling, fibre and broadband networks, water utility assets such as pumps and valves, motorway communications infrastructure, traffic signalling, street lighting, and dockyard installations.

To accommodate this breadth of use, the units can be supplied with a choice of pre-determined duct entry patterns – including plain-sided options for bespoke drilling – as well as flat panel formats, multiple clear opening sizes, and Mandrel test-friendly bellmouths where required.

Complete systems delivered ready for installation

One of the most significant efficiencies comes from Clark-Drain’s decision to supply the chambers as fully assembled systems, aligning with the Government’s Construction Playbook. By removing the need to source and assemble components on site, contractors can avoid common delays, reduce labour requirements, and minimise hidden or unexpected costs.

Each unit can be supplied complete with sump, grill and anchor plate, with optional cable furniture and bolt-on steps. This approach means systems arrive ready to be

installed immediately—moving from delivery to in-ground faster than traditional multi-supplier arrangements.

British manufacturing, proven strength

Clark-Drain proudly manufactures 88% of its product range in the UK, with these chambers carrying the official Made in Britain mark. Produced using recycled polypropylene that can be recycled again at end of life, the units offer a sustainable alternative to heavier traditional materials.

Despite their lighter weight, the chambers deliver exceptional performance. The lattice-structured polypropylene shells provide strength sufficient to withstand up to E600 wheel loads, making them suitable for heavy-duty and high-traffic environments. Security covers and padlock options further safeguard against unauthorised access.

Sustainable, portable and built for the future

The choice of recycled polypropylene not only reduces environmental impact but also provides practical benefits. The material is lighter and easier to transport, reducing installation effort and overall project costs while contributing to carbon-saving efforts across the construction sector.

From manufacture through disposal, the chamber system reflects an end-to-end sustainable approach, complementing the growing environmental ambitions of clients and contractors alike.

A versatile heavy-duty solution for modern networks

Clark-Drain’s modular access chamber range offers a combination rarely found in a single system: heavy-duty performance, bespoke configuration, rapid installation, and sustainability. Whether used for fibre networks, utilities, defence infrastructure or highways applications, the chambers provide a cost-effective, future-ready solution designed around the needs of the project.

For more information, visit: www.clark-drain.com/search?q=d400
For technical advice on the full Clark-Drain range, call 01733 765317 or email sales@clark-drain.com

Case Study: Clark-Drain’s Collaboration with Kier Group on the UK’s First Carbon-Neutral Prison

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Project Overview

Clark-Drain are supporting Kier Group with the ground-breaking construction of the UK’s first carbon-neutral prison, located at the Full Sutton site in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The 1,500-bed Category C “mega” prison will be the first to be zero-carbon in operation, and once built, will run fully on electricity. Other sustainable design features also include solar panels, heat pumps and more efficient lighting systems to reduce energy demand. This collaboration marked the continuation of Clark-Drain’s relationship with the Ministry of Justice, where they have been a trusted partner on other high profile projects such as the multi award-winning HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough which opened in March 2022.

Key Contributions

Clark-Drain partnered with Kier from the specification stages, working collaboratively to deliver the best advice and solutions to meet the demands of this challenging build. Of the 419 access points required to house the extensive electrical infrastructure buried throughout the site, Clark-Drain manufactured and delivered 418 of them.

The heavy-duty access chambers, made from recycled polypropylene, were custom- manufactured at Clark-Drain’s factory in Yaxley, Peterborough. The use of polypropylene not only made the chambers easier to manoeuvre on-site, reducing the need for heavy lifting equipment but also aligned perfectly with the project’s sustainability goals.

Innovative Solutions

Recognising the need to streamline the delivery process, Clark-Drain added small ‘feet’ to each heavy-duty access chamber, raising them slightly off the ground. This innovative feature allowed forklifts to easily slide under each chamber, straight from the lorry or on the ground, speeding up unloading and distribution. This approach completely eliminated the need for additional pallets, massively reducing waste and improving site efficiency. The feet were never removed as they were also found to help with alignment into the designated pits

On delivery to site each chamber was allocated specific codes so their exact location and installation could be managed and monitored. This was critical, as the security access lids and supporting frames had to be installed together with each being an exclusive fit and supplied together to be considered as a single unit. Kier had specified that the lids must be capable of withstanding up to 40 tonnes of pressure, so worked closely with Gatic to deliver the final result.

To support the weight of the lid and frame, concrete surrounds were fabricated on-site. These sat comfortably on the polypropylene access chamber construction. The chambers were pre-drilled offsite, allowing for swift installation upon arrival.

On-Site Flexibility and Support

Given the complex nature of the project, Clark-Drain’s polypropylene chambers offered additional flexibility. If last-minute changes to cabling routes were required, the chambers could be easily cut on-site with standard tools, a feature that proved invaluable.

Throughout the project, Clark-Drain provided consistent support, with a dedicated project manager overseeing the process. This continuity ensured smooth communication and strengthened a strong, trusting relationship with Kier and the teams on-site. Their expertise and proactive problem-solving were pivotal in meeting the project’s deadlines and overcoming on-site challenges.

Neil Shearstone, Construction Manager for Kier said; “We had a great experience working with the team at Clark-Drain. They were quick to respond, knowledgeable and supported us to hit objectives.”

Positive Impact and Future Outlook

Kier Group praised Clark-Drain for their exceptional support and expertise, noting that the smoothness of the process was greatly enhanced by the consistent project management and on-site training provided. The collaboration has not only kept the project on track for its early 2025 handover but also established new techniques and knowledge that will benefit future projects of this nature.

Small yet impactful details, like the delivery driver’s advance call to notify the site team of his arrival, further streamlined communication and contributed to the project’s success. Working together towards a shared goal, Clark-Drain and Kier have set a benchmark for future sustainable construction projects in the UK.

Working with Clark-Drain

Clark-Drain are leaders in the design, manufacture and distribution of access solutions and drainage products for the built environment.

We are proud to stamp our name onto all of our products. It’s our signature – representing over 60 years of expertise and a reputation for performance and innovation as we are trusted to meet the challenges of the changing world.

For more information on how Clark-Drain can help your business deliver robust, cost- effective, environmentally responsible cable access solutions, no matter how big or small your project, get in touch. We are highly experienced in Civils and Infrastructure, Residential & Landscape, Commercial & Retail, Defence and Security.