WPD starts work on £6m Cadbury substation

The project, which is expected to run until 2022, involves replacing four grid transformers, 132kV circuit breakers and other 132kV equipment, along with all the 11kV switchgear.

The Bournville substation was one of the first to be built in Birmingham in 1920 and even features as one of the landmarks on a local heritage trail.

Because of this, WPD says it must “take extra care” throughout the project to preserve the original substation building which holds historical and sentimental value for local residents.

The project also involves dismantling and rebuilding sections of the 5m high wall to access each of the existing transformers. Each transformer and associated switchgear will then be taken out and replaced, before the brickwork is rebuilt.

Projects engineer Barry Organ, who is managing the project, said: “We will be working closely with Cadbury throughout the project to make sure it is business as usual. This project will upgrade and help future proof the network for both Cadbury and local residents.

“We will be replacing all the existing substation switchgear, which was installed in the late 1950s and early 1960s and has now reached the end of its life, with the very latest, state-of-the-art equipment. We want to create a substation which is fit for the users of the 21st century while respecting and preserving the history and appearance of one of the city’s oldest substations.”

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