J Murphy & Sons has been selected by Cadent to deliver a major power project.

Cadent is investing more than £10m to completely rebuild four key sites.

'Above ground installations' (AGI) in Rochdale and Hollinwood, in the North West gas distribution network, a third AGI in Peter's Green, in the East of England, and a pressure reduction station in Kenton, North London, are all set for major upgrade.

Murphy has been appointed to deliver the programme. A mobilisation phase has commenced, which will soon be followed by site surveys and design work, as well as a programme to engage with local stakeholders and authorities.


Darren Elsom, Director of Construction, Cadent, said: "We’'e continually investing to make sure our networks are fit for the future. These four sites are reaching the natural end of their working lives. We have decided to completely rebuild them.

"Each one involves major engineering, with unique challenges at each site.

"At Rochdale, we will adopt a phased approach to build a new plant within the existing AGI footprint. It will be a carefully managed operation to ensure that gas flows safely throughout the project.

"At Hollinwood, we will build a new plant on a fresh parcel of land near to the existing AGI. Once we're content the new AGI is working safely and reliably, we’ll decommission the existing AGI.

"At Peter's Green (near Luton Airport), we will essentially take off and replace the AGI's various parts in sequence, with the site continuing to operate throughout.

"Kenton is much smaller than the other three sites, but no less essential in keeping gas safely flowing. We will isolate the site by carefully managing gas pressures locally from stations elsewhere. We can then move in to completely rebuild it."

The plan is to complete the construction part of the rebuild programme by the end of 2020.