Work is nearing completion on a new primary electricity substation that is set to switch on businesses, jobs, and opportunities at Snetterton.
The new substation will significantly increase electricity capacity, making it easier for businesses to locate and grow at Snetterton, a large business park on the A11.
Part of a wider growth programme, the power upgrade also includes a masterplanning exercise and joint branding/marketing of the location, which has been initiated and led by Breckland Council, underlining the Council’s commitment to supporting growth and economic development in the district.
The project received grant funding totalling £3.43m from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)’s Growth Deal with Government and Norfolk Business Rates Pool. Breckland Council has delivered the power upgrade through working in partnership with UK Power Networks and Morrison Energy Services.
On Tuesday 21 March, the significance of the project was marked with an event on the site attended by representatives of Breckland Council, New Anglia LEP, UK Power Networks and Morrison Energy Services.
The new primary substation, and programme of wider growth activity, reflects Breckland Council’s long-term ambitions for Snetterton, which has resulted in the council spearheading the development of the power upgrade.
Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council, explained: “Snetterton is a key site in Breckland that is well located with access to the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor. It offers huge potential for business growth and the creation of jobs.
“This power upgrade will create the conditions for future development to occur at the location with the new substation acting as a catalyst for growth.
“Working with our partners, we are pleased to have been able to initiate and lead this project – one of the first of its kind in our area – which underlines our commitment to supporting business and economic development within the district.
“The new substation will have a positive economic impact at a district and county level, and it will support the role the site can play as a key component of the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor. It really will switch on Snetterton for businesses, for jobs, for investment, and for opportunities.”
The new substation has the capacity to deliver 18 megawatts, unlocking growth potential, and supporting the delivery of Breckland Council’s long-term ambition for the site to create 1,750 new jobs, £100m+ net additional Gross Value Added each year and bring in £220m+ of private sector investment.
C-J Green, Chair of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Snetterton is one of the largest employment sites along the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor and this scheme will create and safeguard jobs and encourage more businesses to locate there.
“We need to ensure the best possible infrastructure is in place for businesses to expand and the region’s economy to thrive, and this massive power upgrade is evidence will be key to delivering on Breckland’s ambitions for Snetterton.”
Councillor Fabian Eagle, county council cabinet member for growing the economy, said: “Providing this vital power infrastructure will really strengthen Norfolk’s economic prospects, by enabling us to encourage more businesses to set up in this key area of Breckland, which is so accessible to markets across the country because of the A11.”
Ian Thirkettle, project manager at UK Power Networks said: “We are delighted to provide this new substation which will bring a long-term solution to Snetterton Heath’s future electricity power needs and contribute to the area’s expansion. It provides the power equivalent to that used by nearly 3,000 homes. We worked in partnership with Morrison Energy to support the increased capacity that will ensure future economic growth in Snetterton.”
