Upgrade of Cathedral Quarter power network under way
NORTHERN Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks will begin a £500,000 utility upgrade in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter this month.
The investment project is part of NIE Networks’ ongoing investment plan across NI.
It will see the replacement of 3,000 metres of underground cable during what will be a threemonth scheme.
The works were scheduled for earlier in 2019 but the fire at Bank Buildings pushed back plans.
The project, which has been approved and supported by the Department for Infrastructure and business organisations in the area, consists of three phases and will start on July 22.
David Tompsett, project delivery engineer for NIE Networks, said: “Delivering a high standard of service for all our customers is very important to us and we are delighted this critical project can now get under way. Our investment will involve the replacement and upgrade of older cables and ensure the continued resilience of the electricity infrastructure in this area of Belfast city centre.
“We have been working in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure, Belfast City Centre Management, Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District and Translink to make sure the impact on businesses and city centre users is kept to a minimum.”
The first phase will focus on the area of Royal Avenue, York Street and North Street. The second phase will start on July 29 on Royal Avenue towards Dunbar Link, and the third phase will start in September running from North Street to Peter’s Hill. All work will be completed by October 31.
No interruptions to electricity supply are planned and each phase will be completed before the next begins to minimise impact on businesses, shoppers and traffic flow.