PLANS to build a new electricity substation on a council-owned site in Leicester city centre have taken an important step forward.
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) has agreed to purchase land and property at 52-58 Oxford Street from the city council. The purchase forms part of the energy company’s wider £5.3m investment to reinforce the city’s electricity network.
The site has been earmarked for the development of a new primary substation site that will strengthen the network to meet new and future energy demand, providing resilience to the supply for the next 20 years.
It will also help support the city’s future development and economic growth including that needed for the Leicester Royal Infirmary, De Montfort University and Leicester City Football Club.
The proposed development of the site by NGED will support a drive towards electrification and help reduce citywide carbon emissions.
Purchase of the land is conditional on planning permission being awarded. If approved, it is hoped that construction of the new primary substation will get under way next year
The half-acre site currently houses four commercial industrial units which the city council has agreed relocation options with the tenants.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “We have been in discussion with National Grid to identify a suitable site for the development of a new primary substation for the city.
“We’re very happy to support this essential expansion of National Grid’s local infrastructure which will support the city’s development and growth, and provide energy security, for many years to come.
“The proposed sale of this land would also provide a very useful capital receipt which will be reinvested in projects to support the city’s regeneration and economic prosperity.”
James Bradley, team manager in NGED’s Major Projects team, said: “This investment is about giving Leicester the power it needs to grow. By strengthening the network, we’re making sure homes and businesses can rely on a resilient supply as the city develops. It’s a big step in supporting future projects and keeping Leicester moving forward - helping to unlock economic growth across the city.”
A formal decision on the sale of the city council-owned land and property at 52-58 Oxford Street is due to be confirmed later this month.