8 June 2012

The London Power Tunnels project for National Grid has reached another major landmark with the completion of the tunnel access shaft at the Pratt Street Site in Camden.  To mark this milestone, staff from across the project team hosted an open day with children from years 5 and 6 at Our Lady's Roman Catholic Primary School, which is adjacent to the site.
 
The children were given an insight into the role of National Grid, an overview of the project from the team including Costain and Skanska site engineers and were able to go onsite and see the 47m deep access shaft from a specially constructed viewing point. Additionally, the pupils enjoyed digging their own shafts during games set up in their school playground. Three large boxes were made and individually filled with sand, clay and gravel. Children in teams then had to try and sink a small shaft with trowels, then create an excavation, rather than just dig a hole, with some wooden blocks.
 
Commenting on the day, Moya Richardson, Associate Head Teacher at Our Lady's, said: "This was an exciting opportunity for our pupils to appreciate the variety of jobs within the construction industry. London Power Tunnels staff were able to enthuse and interest the children about the world of work and help them to see how relevant their current learning is. Our children loved visiting the site and looking down the shaft, as well as taking part in the hands-on activities. I would like to say thank you on behalf of our teachers and pupils for a brilliant day."
 
Moreover, London Tunnels Project Manager, Mat Ray, said: "It was great to give the children from Our Lady's the chance to see the exciting London Power Tunnels project that is going on so close to their school."

Ends