Work starts powering up Birkenhead
Specialist contractor Ameon Utilities has started on the construction of a £7m substation for the Wirral town – a move that will enable the delivery of the council’s ambitious regeneration projects for the area.
Wirral Council has drafted masterplans for more than 3,500 homes, multiple hotels, and 600,000 sq ft of commercial space in Birkenhead. But for these to come to fruition, an upgraded power supply is needed – according to regional provider Scottish Power Energy Network.
SPEN notified Wirral Council earlier this year that the existing energy network in Birkenhead is operating at capacity.
This is before work starts on building the aforementioned thousands of homes, which are outlined in the council’s Hind Street Urban Garden Village, St Werburgh’s, and Birkenhead Central masterplans.
Wirral Growth Company, a joint venture between the council and Muse, agreed over the summer to install a new substation by Europa Pools, to build up network capacity.
Cllr Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council, described the substation as “one of the most significant infrastructure projects undertaken by Wirral Council in many years”.
He continued: “This is not just about bringing power into the town centre but empowering Birkenhead to move forward with some of the biggest changes in generations – it is key infrastructure to the regeneration work we are pressing ahead with not just in Birkenhead but ultimately across our whole borough.
“This will provide upgraded energy capacity needed to deliver the investment, homes, high-quality jobs, and prosperity this town and our residents deserve.”
The £7m programme of works is expected to take 18 months to complete. It will involve laying cables along 2.5 miles of the town, which will lead to roadwork around Charing Cross, Oxton Road, and Woodchurch Road in December.
Wirral Council interim director for regeneration and place Marcus Shaw added that the council would be doing “everything we can to minimise disruption”. He added that “this has to be done to give us the chance of bringing forward the regeneration the town needs and we are working so hard to deliver”.
Building on the positive, Muse project manager Sam Wilson added: “This upgrade to the energy network will help unleash the town’s full potential and unlock future regeneration opportunities across the whole of Birkenhead.
“Working alongside Wirral Council through the Wirral Growth Company, we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact the substation and associated infrastructure will have on the town’s economy, people and businesses.
“It is a welcome development, and one that will spur Birkenhead’s renaissance by ensuring the town has sufficient electricity well into the future.”
