Decision

The Assistant Director has authorised:
(1) the acceptance of the SP Manweb PLC’s C4 Estimate for diversionary works required to facilitate the Birkenhead Waterfront Infrastructure and Surrounds scheme, and
(2) the issuing of the necessary instruction for SP Manweb PLC to proceed to C5 (implementation stage).

Reasons for the decision

SP Manweb PLC’s (“SP Energy Network’s”) apparatus, including ducts, chambers and cabling, will be directly affected by the Waterfront Infrastructure and Surrounds improvement works approved by Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee on 10th March 2026. SP Energy Network has confirmed, via the Diversion Quotation for Works, that diversionary works are required under Section 84 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1992.
The following works are required at the Woodside gyratory:
• Diversion of two Low Voltage cables at numerous sites at the above location
• Diversion of two High Voltage cables and associated auxiliaries and the reconnection of supplies to street lighting/furniture or feeder pillars
SP Energy Network’s has issued a formal C4 Estimate with total costs as follows:
• Total Estimated Cost (ex VAT): £170,825.10
These works are essential to avoid delay to the wider scheme programme and to maintain service continuity for telecommunications networks. The costs will be met by the grant provided for the Waterfront Infrastructure and Surrounds works. To de-risk the scheme and following review by the Head of Regeneration Delivery, it is considered appropriate that the works should be undertaken in advance of the construction phase to avoid programme delays which may compromise the delivery of the scheme.

Alternative options considered

1. Do Nothing – Rejected.
The construction works would conflict with existing buried Openreach infrastructure, leading to significant risk of service outage and programme delays.
2. Re-design the Scheme to Avoid SP Energy Network Assets – Rejected
The extent and depth of existing telecommunications apparatus makes avoidance impractical without materially compromising the scheme.
SP Energy Networks is the statutory undertaker responsible for its own infrastructure; diversion is the only feasible solution.