BBSM has recently completed the installation phase of a major biomass boiler replacement project at Stansted Park in Hampshire. The Stansted Park Foundation is an independent Charitable Trust responsible for the preservation and conservation of the estate’s treasured Grade I and II* listed heritage buildings, along with 2,000 acres of ancient parkland and forest. The estate also includes gardens, a farm shop, nursery, and commercial offices.
Since 2007, Stansted House, the offices, and accommodation across the estate have been heated by a wood chip boiler using fuel produced from the estate’s own woodland. However, after years of reliable service, the original boiler had failed beyond economic repair.
Working with the BBSM design team, a new Hargassner ECO HK 250kW wood chip boiler was specified as a direct replacement. The new system provides significant operational and efficiency benefits over the old failing wood chip boiler, offering a major step forward in both performance and sustainability.
Improved Efficiency and Automation
The Hargassner boiler delivers much higher efficiency, and it is expected that wood chip usage will be reduced by 10–15% compared with the previous system. In addition, the new boiler introduces fully automatic deashing and heat exchanger cleaning, replacing the old manual processes that required regular hands-on maintenance.
All ash is now automatically collected into a sealed container for easy disposal, meaning weekly maintenance requirements are minimal. This automation not only reduces labour but also ensures more consistent and cleaner operation.
Efficient Project Delivery
Work on site began in mid-September, and the boiler was fully installed and commissioned with heat on by the second week of October — a total project duration of just four to five weeks from start to finish. Final lagging and insulation works are due for completion this week, marking the final stage of the installation process.
Client Feedback
Stansted Park Foundation Director David Bennett commented:
“I have been thoroughly impressed with the excellent efficiency and diligence of BBSM as they guided us through the process of installing a new Hargassner Biomass Boiler and associated application to OFGEM for the RHI payment. Their engineers were extremely professional and applied themselves unstintingly to ensure that the boiler was commissioned and operational against a tight schedule. The support package has been comprehensive and, of particular note, was the personal effort by the Director to remove any friction so that the whole undertaking was conducted smoothly and seamlessly. I am very appreciative of BBSM’s work. I rate them very highly and would thoroughly recommend them.”
Continuing Commitment to Sustainable Heating
The Stansted Park project highlights BBSM’s expertise in designing, installing, and commissioning efficient and sustainable biomass systems. By upgrading to a modern Hargassner boiler, the Foundation is ensuring continued renewable heating for its historic estate while achieving improved efficiency and reduced maintenance demands.