UK Power Networks has invested more than £1.6 million to divert extra-high-voltage cables in south London to allow an ex-council estate to be converted into affordable housing.
The development on Hayward Close, Merton, required four 33,000-volt cables that supply power to a local substation to be re-routed, to allow the construction programme to be safely completed.
The cables supply power to more than 36,000 homes and businesses in the area, so maintaining a reliable supply while carrying out the work was paramount.
Nearly 300 metres of environmentally-friendly cable has been re-routed around the development and across Merton High Street, meaning that residents will have reliable power supplies for years to come.
According to the Office of National Statistics, house prices in the London Borough of Merton average £581,000 – while the national average comes in at £285,000, so affordable housing in the area is in great demand.
UK Power Networks’ Programme Manager, Tom Parminter, says, “This customer-driven diversion scheme has been a key project for us, representing a significant investment into the reconfiguration of our network to promote affordable housing growth in the Greater London area.
“It has been a challenging scheme to deliver, given the interaction and collaboration with multiple utilities who own equipment and the extensive assets already underground.”
Errol Lord, Project Manager, adds, “We engaged with Merton Council and many other stakeholders to ensure works happened as quickly and safely as possible, to cause the minimum disruption possible for them. The works will be completed in the next few months.”
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