Mer Helps Stane Retail Park with Sustainable EV Charging

The Client

In 2018, The Churchmanor Estates Company Plc. was granted permission by Colchester Borough Council to develop what is now Stane Retail Park – a 15-acre retail park situated 4 miles from Colchester Town Centre. 

Following completion in April 2022, residents and visitors can find B&Q, M&S, Aldi, Greggs, and Cook on this 173,000 square feet development, alongside 687 car parking bays. Superdrug and Mountain Warehouse have recently opened. 

Having EV charging increases the dwell time at the site, as drivers can run errands, enjoy a meal and shop whilst their vehicle is charging. As well as encouraging existing customers to return, charging infrastructure can entice new visitors to the site. 

The Solution

Churchmanor recognised the commercial opportunity that EV charging brings in addition to the reduction in air pollution and sought to future-proof their site with charging infrastructure. User accessibility was a key focus point when considering which Charge Point Operator (CPO) to partner with, and Churchmanor were keen to ensure ease-of-use for their customers when using the charge points. 

Phase 1 of the development saw 5 EV charge points installed, with each having 2 separate bays so 2 drivers can charge at once. This phase gave visitors access to a variety of chargers that suit different needs. The install involved 3 ultra-rapid chargers, which have CHAdeMO and CCS connectors and charge with a speed of up to 75kW. On average, these chargers can charge an EV to over 80% in approx. 30 minutes. Also installed were 2 fast chargers, which have a universal Type-2 connector, offer a speed of up to 22kW, and can charge an EV in approximately 4 hours. 

Karl Anders, former Managing Director at Mer UK, said “It was a privilege to provide EV charging at Stane Retail Park. The development is a fantastic asset to Colchester, and with the addition of EV charge points, Churchmanor has ensured the park is prepared and ready for a future where electric driving will eventually become the standard transportation method in the UK.” 

Through our analysis of the patterns and utilisation rates at our charging stations, we know that rapid and ultra-rapid charging is the most popular choice for EV charging. At Stane, 90% of kWh sold and 80% of total EV charging usage was via the ultra-rapid bays. 

Due to the popularity of the current EV charging infrastructure and the expansion of the site, Mer worked with Churchmanor on Phase 2 of the project, which saw the addition of 4 75kW rapid chargers. This expansion of the EV charging offering at Stane means more drivers can charge their vehicles whilst they enjoy the array of shops and services on offer at the park. 

Matt Cloke, Development Director at Churchmanor Estates Plc., said “The Churchmanor Estates Company has been working with Mer to provide electric vehicle charging spaces at Stane Retail Park prior to its opening in October 2021, to ensure that EV charging was available from day one. 

“Mer was chosen as the EV charging operator after a structured tender process, which considered not only commercial terms, but also existing track record, network size, ease of use, up time of the charging equipment and maintenance arrangements, customer service support, and use of sustainably generated electricity. 

“With the number of operators currently in the market expected to significantly consolidate in the medium term, it was also important to us to partner with an operator with whom we can have a long-term relationship. Mer worked collaboratively with us to ensure the charging equipment was installed and working on time and with the minimum of disruption, both for the original retail park opening, and for the second phase of chargers. We’re very pleased with our decision to go with Mer and look forward to working with them into the future.” 

“With the addition of EV charging points, Churchmanor has ensured the park is prepared and ready for a future where electric driving will eventually become the standard transportation method in the UK” – Karl Anders, former Managing Director of Mer UK