Work has begun on a new primary electricity substation that will ‘switch on Snetterton’ by increasing the power supply at Snetterton Heath, making it easier for businesses to set up and grow.
The new substation will help to support and sustain business growth on the site which is in a prime position on the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor. It is expected that the work, which is being carried out on site by Morrison Energy Services, will take around a year to complete.
The project is being led by Breckland Council, working in partnership with UK Power Networks. Grant funding totalling £3.43M has been received for the upgrade from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and the BRP (business rates pool).
Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council, hailed the ‘significant’ development, commenting: “This new electricity substation represents a huge step forward for Snetterton Heath and will help to maximise the potential this key site offers for business start-ups and growth, and will create employment opportunities for Breckland residents.
“It is a project that underlines the council’s commitment to supporting business and economic development within the district, and it is one that will be a catalyst for Snetterton Heath.
“The council identified the upgrade as a critical step given the significant growth potential on the site – and the need to make sure there is extra power available. We have been working closely with UK Power Networks and our partners to identify an innovative solution to bridge the gap, and this move is one of the first of its kind in the area.
“The benefits of this upgrade will be felt at local and district level, but it will also have a positive economic impact for the county as a whole, especially given its location and the connectivity that offers.
“The upgrade really will switch on Snetterton for businesses, for jobs, for investment, and for opportunities.”
C-J Green, Chair of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Increasing the power capacity at Snetterton Heath will support business growth and unlock the huge potential of what is one of the largest employment sites along the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor. Investing in the infrastructure that businesses need to expand will be key to the development of the region’s economy and the creation and safeguarding of jobs, and this project is aimed at delivering just that.”
The current power provision on the site needs upgrading to enable Snetterton Heath to reach its full potential for business growth and enhanced employment opportunities. The current power supply is nearing capacity serving the existing units in the area, but the new substation will provide a long-term solution to Snetterton Heath’s future electricity power needs. It will deliver an additional 6 megawatts to the Snetterton employment zone, unlocking growth potential, and supporting the delivery of the 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.
Russell Hunter, area manager for UK Power Networks said: “This new substation is good news for the area with equipment contributing to the area’s expansion. It will provide the power equivalent to that used by nearly 3,000 homes. We are working in partnership with Morrison Energy to support the increased capacity that will ensure future economic growth in Snetterton.”
