Purpose

This report sets out a proposal for the Council to
enter into a funding agreement with Wirral Growth Company LLP (WGC)
to allow it to procure, via a specialist contractor Ameon Utilities
Limited, the delivery of a primary sub-station in Birkenhead Town
Centre. Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN),
the electricity provider for the region has advised that the
network in and around Birkenhead is operating at capacity and
without the investment in a new primary substation the network will
be unable to support future demand for electricity that will be
generated from the implementation of projects drawn from the
Council’s on-going regeneration plans for the
area.
 
The
project is ready to be delivered and when operational, the primary
substation will help to support investment in a range of new
developments that when completed will help to create a regenerated
town centre which is a long-standing priority for the Council as
reflected in the Wirral Council Plan 2023-2027 and the Birkenhead
2040 Framework. The recommendations contained in this report
directly support the key priority within the Council Plan to
“Continue our ambitious regeneration
programme through increased investment, jobs and new businesses
throughout the borough”,It also
supports the people focused regeneration theme of the Council
plan.
 

Decision

The
Director of Law and Corporate Services has approved the Council
entering into a development funding agreement and any other
necessary associated legal agreements with Wirral Growth Company
LLP (WGC) to allow the delivery of a primary substation on land to
the rear of Europa Pools on Conway Street, Birkenhead.