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.