Case Study:
Thetford Farm Barn, Baston

High-End Wedding & Events Venue

Client: Hardy Construction
Electrical Contractor: Kirby Electrical Contracts Ltd

Project Overview

Kirby Electrical Contracts Ltd was appointed to deliver the complete electrical installation for the transformation of a traditional agricultural barn into the luxury wedding and events venue now known as Thetford Farm Barn.

Working from an undeveloped shell, the project required far more than a standard installation. Our role included electrical infrastructure planning, design coordination, system integration, and the delivery of a commercial-grade installation capable of supporting a premium hospitality environment while preserving the character of the building.

The Challenge

Converting a rural barn into a modern events venue required a careful balance between aesthetics, performance, and compliance.

The electrical infrastructure needed to:

  • Support the demands of large-scale weddings and events

  • Integrate seamlessly within the architectural and interior design

  • Meet commercial safety and fire compliance standards

  • Maintain a clean and discreet finish throughout the venue

  • Allow capacity for future expansion across the wider estate

This project involved creating a fully operational commercial events venue from an undeveloped barn shell, requiring close coordination between electrical infrastructure, architectural design, and life safety systems.

Our Approach

Kirby Electrical Contracts Ltd led the electrical coordination, infrastructure specification, and full installation works in partnership with Hardy Construction and the wider design team.

Power Infrastructure & Future Expansion

We assessed the operational requirements of the venue and specified the overall electrical load requirements, liaising directly with National Grid to secure an incoming supply suitable for both current operation and planned future development.

Additional infrastructure capacity was incorporated to support future expansion, including proposed on-site accommodation, helping protect the client’s long-term investment.

Design-Led Lighting Installation

All decorative and feature lighting was installed in line with the lighting designer’s specification. Our team ensured fittings were integrated precisely within the structure, achieving the intended atmosphere and visual impact without compromising functionality or compliance.

Full Commercial Electrical Installation

The project included a complete commercial-grade installation comprising:

  • Internal and external power distribution

  • Architectural and car park lighting

  • EV charging facilities

  • Data cabling infrastructure for venue operations

  • Emergency lighting and break-glass systems

Life Safety & Specialist Systems

As part of the venue’s public-use requirements, Kirby Electrical Contracts Ltd delivered:

  • A full commercial fire alarm system

  • Compliant emergency lighting throughout

We also coordinated specialist subcontractors responsible for the intruder alarm and audio-visual systems, ensuring seamless integration with the core electrical infrastructure and overall build program

Flexible Project Delivery

As the project evolved, several client-led design changes were introduced during construction. Our team worked proactively to accommodate these variations while maintaining program alignment and budget control throughout.

The Result. 

Thetford Farm Barn now combines traditional rural character with modern hospitality infrastructure, supported by a robust and discreet electrical installation designed specifically for high-end events use.

Key outcomes included:

  • Complete electrical installation delivered from shell condition

  • Commercial-grade infrastructure designed for long-term scalability

  • Safe and compliant systems suitable for hospitality use

  • Enhanced guest experience through considered lighting, EV charging, and reliable power and data infrastructure

  • Project delivered on budget while successfully managing design variations throughout construction

The venue now benefits from a reliable electrical backbone capable of supporting both immediate operational demands and future development across the estate.

Project Significance

Thetford Farm Barn demonstrates Kirby Electrical Contracts Ltd’s ability to deliver complex commercial installations where technical performance, aesthetics, compliance, and long-term scalability must work together seamlessly.