SP Energy Networks is set to get to work on a multi-million modernisation of the electricity network in Merseyside to help meet increasing demands for electricity in a cleaner and greener future.
The £40 million investment will replace a major underground cable connection between Kirkby and Bootle, which has been powering 160,000 homes in Merseyside for more than 60 years.
The works will increase capacity on the local network, ensuring it remains fit for purpose as people make greener choices and switch to low-carbon technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps.
Liam O’Sullivan, SP Energy Networks’ Manweb Licence Director, said, “Over the next 25 years, electricity demand is set to double as people make the move to low-carbon options for transport and heating, with our Merseyside and Wirral districts alone forecast to be home to one million electric vehicles and heat pumps by 2050. That requires an incredible transformation to our network in the region – much of which was built when the Beatles were at their peak! So, we need to modernise and move with the times and that’s why we’re investing more than £250 million in this area between 2023-2028 – including the new Bootle to Kirkby connection.”
The works on the new connection – which will be carried out by Manchester-based contractor, Excalon – will kick-off in Knowsley from Saturday 9 August 2025.
The first phase of the works – from August to December 2025 – will take place on East Lancashire Road from the M57 exit slip road up to an existing substation off the A5208. To ensure they can be carried out safely, a single-lane closure will be in place on the eastbound carriageway with appropriate traffic management – all of which has been agreed by Knowsley Council.
All the works being undertaken, along with the associated traffic management plans, have been agreed with Knowsley Council, which is also carrying out its highways improvement scheme in the same area.
A dedicated community relations team is available for anyone who wants to find out more about the project and what it means for them. They can be contacted via phone 0800 156 0705 or email merseysidereinforcement@spenenquiries.co.uk.
Project updates will also be available online at www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/bootletokirkby.
