A £7m substation is being built to secure Birkenhead's future power supply.

It is set to be "one of the biggest infrastructure projects undertaken by Wirral Council in many years."

The project is a collaboration between the council and Wirral Growth Company LLP (WGC), a joint partnership between Wirral Council and placemaker, Muse.

Work has begun on the 18-month project, which aims to ensure the town has enough electricity for future needs.

The decision to build the new substation was prompted by advice from Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN), the region's electricity provider.

SPEN informed the council that the existing network in and around Birkenhead was at full capacity.

They stated that the network would need to be upgraded to support the future demand for electricity before any further development could take place in the town centre.

This includes the ambitious regeneration plans for Birkenhead town centre, St Werburgh's, Woodside Waterfront, and the new Dock Branch Park.

Construction of the substation buildings, near the Europa Pools site in Birkenhead town centre, is underway.

The project also involves laying cables along a four-kilometre stretch, through Charing Cross, Oxton Road, and part of Woodchurch Road.

The primary roadworks are scheduled to begin in December and will be timed to coincide with other works on the route to minimise inconvenience.

Council leader Cllr Paul Stuart said: "This is a major investment representing one of the most significant infrastructure projects undertaken by Wirral Council in many years.

"This is not just about bringing power into the town centre but empowering Birkenhead to move forward with some of the biggest changes in generations."

Wirral Council’s interim director for regeneration and place, Marcus Shaw, acknowledged the potential disruption the project might cause but emphasised the necessity of the work.

He said: "As with all major infrastructure investment, there will be some inconveniences such as roadworks, for a while, and we will do everything we can to minimise disruption."

The substation will be constructed by specialist contractor Ameon Utilities Limited on land to the rear of Europa Pools on Conway Street in Birkenhead.