The Canada Water Masterplan, a comprehensive redevelopment project in central London, has reached a significant milestone with the recent delivery of new transformers. This key development is part of the ongoing efforts to supply electricity to both residential and commercial spaces within the area.
UK Power Networks, collaborating with Clancy and British Land, is spearheading the construction of a new underground substation. This infrastructure project is integral to the Canada Water Masterplan, a large-scale development spanning 53 acres. The plan includes the creation of 3,000 new net-zero homes, workspaces for approximately 20,000 people, and one million square feet dedicated to retail and leisure facilities.
In a crucial step forward for the project, two water-cooled transformers were delivered to the substation in November. The substation, once completed, will measure 40 meters in width and 10 meters in depth. The delivery of a third and final transformer was successfully completed in January 2024.
The substation construction, a key component of the development, is on track for completion by 2026.
Symon Bacon, Development Director at British Land, emphasised the importance of this development, “The design and delivery of the 86 MVA substation will service not only our 53-acre development but the wider southeast London area. It’s a great example of partnership working, including British Land, UK Power Networks, Clancy, Galldris, and Southwark Council, providing a major enabler of change for the area. It supports our delivery of 3,000 new homes, one million square feet of leisure and retail, and two million square feet of workspace, which wouldn’t be possible at such a level without this new substation.”
Niall Byrne, Contract Manager at Clancy, shared insights into the logistical challenges and achievements of the project, “Clancy is delighted to support another huge transformer installation for UK Power Networks. Working in partnership with multiple suppliers at the site in Quebec Way we delivered transformers into the substation and the support equipment for the site including a crane and ballast vehicles in a residential area without disruption. This is an extraordinary project with a large underground substation which meant that installation required meticulous management and was delivered with precision.”
The delivery of these transformers marks a crucial step in powering the ambitious Canada Water Masterplan, indicating significant progress in the development that aims to reshape a large portion of southeast London.
