14.12.2023
bp pulse is collaborating with leading development firm, The Galliard Apsley Partnership, a joint venture between Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital, to help tackle a key challenge in expanding its UK EV charging network – the availability of land suitable for EV charging sites.
The Galliard Apsley Partnership is working with bp pulse to help deliver its ambitious plans to expand its network of Gigahubs™ in the UK. The collaboration would see the development firm identify, acquire, and develop prime locations for bp pulse charging sites, including assisting with obtaining planning permissions, securing suitable pre-lets and building the hubs. It will offer bp pulse a comprehensive solution to the challenge of acquiring suitable land – paving the way for initial development of state-of-the-art charging hubs in urban locations and on strategic transport network points. This reflects bp pulse's ambition to enhance the overall charging experience for electric vehicle users.
The Galliard Apsley Partnership has a current £500 million (GDV) portfolio of properties in Birmingham and the surrounding areas with a focus on urban regeneration.
"This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering fast, reliable and convenient charging in the right locations for EV drivers. By combining our strengths with Galliard Apsley we believe we will accelerate the growth of our EV charging network in the UK," said Akira Kirton, vice president bp pulse UK.
Chairman of Apsley House Capital, Gerard Nock, emphasised Galliard Apsley's capabilities, stating, "Our experience positions The Galliard Apsley Partnership to provide a comprehensive 'turnkey' service to bp pulse. From site identification and acquisition to obtaining planning permissions, securing suitable pre-lets and building the hubs, we are committed to supporting bp pulse in achieving their ambitious growth plans."
In 2022, bp pulse announced plans to invest £1 billion over 10 years in the UK’s EV charging infrastructure. It has ambitious plans to deliver on-the-go and destination charging infrastructure. In 2023 alone, it opened nine EV charging hubs, including the country’s largest to date at the NEC in Birmingham and its most powerful charging hub in central London in Pimlico. bp pulse plans to open hundreds of hubs across the country by 2030. Today, around 70% of the population in Great Britain lives within a five-mile radius of a bp pulse rapid or ultra-fast charge point.
Adam Ratzker Director at JJRV who advised on the Partnership says “Starting from 2035, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK will be prohibited. It is imperative that our charging infrastructure is prepared to meet this rising demand, and we are dedicated to collaborating with bp pulse to achieve their ambitious goal of ensuring accessible infrastructure for all electric vehicle drivers across the UK”.