Aberdeen substation transformed

An Aberdeen substation has been transformed into a colourful boombox mural thanks to a collaboration between the local community and an international artist.

23rd May 2019 by Networks

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN) substation, located on Great Northern Road in Woodside, is now a vibrant feature of the area following a partnership between Kittybrewster School pupils, older members of the local community and London-based Artmongers.

The project is a result of a grant awarded to pupils through Aberdeen City Council’s U Decide funding event for Tillydrone, Woodside and Seaton.

Shona Horn, customer relationship manager at SSEN, said: “We’re delighted this project successfully brought together generations in the Woodside and Kittybrewster areas and turned our substation into a colourful icon in the local area. We’re proud to power our communities all year round, and it’s great to see our infrastructure having such a positive effect on those living and working in the area.”

Patricio Forrester, founder and creative director of Artmongers, added: “This project shows that we can energise our communities from a creative point of view as well, inspiring people to transform our shared spaces into something we can all enjoy and be proud of, while giving passers-by an incentive to see the artistic potential of an otherwise non-descript urban structure. This is our first project in Scotland and we are hoping it is just the beginning of a long and empowering relationship.”

Although the colourful substation might attract attention in the city, SSEN is reminding everyone of the dangers associated with its electrical infrastructure and is encouraging people to stay safe.