UK Power Networks invests £1.6 million to enable affordable housing

UK Power Networks has invested over £1.6 million to divert extra-high-voltage cables in South London, enabling the conversion of an ex-council estate into affordable housing.

The development on Hayward Close in Merton required the re-routing of four 33,000-volt cables that supply power to a local substation, allowing the construction programme to be safely completed.

These cables supply electricity to more than 36,000 homes and businesses in the area, so maintaining a reliable supply during the work was crucial.

Nearly 300 metres of environmentally-friendly cable have been rerouted around the development and across Merton High Street, ensuring 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, compared to the national average of £285,000, highlighting the demand for affordable housing in the area.

UK Power Networks’ Programme Manager, Tom Parminter, said: “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, added, “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.”