SP Energy Networks has outlined a £21 million plan to modernise Birkenhead Grid Substation, with work due to start in 2017.
The upgrade project will see Birkenhead Grid Substation, which is located just off Prenton Dell Road, Prenton, completely transformed. The facility is the major electrical hub for the Wirral supplying over 162,000 homes and businesses.
Whilst the existing equipment has provided an industry leading standard of service for over 60 years, it is now scheduled to be replaced to ensure this high standard of service is maintained.
We are holding a project information event at Bethany Chapel Hall, Homelands Drive, Prenton, CH43 0UJ, on Thursday the 8th December 2016 (between 1pm and 8pm) for members of the local community.
In addition to this work, we also plan to refurbish the 132,000 volt overhead line from Birkenhead Grid to Wallasey, which is approximately 7km. This work will include the replacement of several spans of overhead line and removal of three steel towers, situated in the gardens at the rear of Melford Drive, by installing 800m of new 132,000 volt underground cable. This work will be coordinated with the main substation works.
Mark Sobczak, Head of 132kV projects at SP Energy Networks, said: "This is the most significant electrical upgrade in the Wirral for more than 50 years, and our work will ensure that the grid is as reliable as possible for decades to come for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses. The project will also see the removal of some steel towers, and the creation of new recreational land adjacent to the revamped substation. As well as boosting power supplies, we hope that our project will make a positive contribution to the local landscape."
The programme of work starts next year in 2017 and continues through to 2020, when the company will also regenerate the immediate area adjacent to the new substation for the use of the local community.