Having established a national footprint, Power On Connections, the independent electrical connections experts, has been appointed to install the complete electrical infrastructure for a new cultural quarter in Cambridge.

The 25 acre masterplan is being developed by Brookgate and will totally transform the city's Station Road area providing significant transport improvements together with a mixed use development, known as CB1. This comprises over 1.1 million sq ft of ‘grade A’ offices; residential accommodation including student residences; retail space and a hotel centred around a landscaped public square. In addition, the project also includes the first private office development in Cambridge for 21 years, the highly sustainable 83,500 sq ft building at 21 Station Road, which has been leased on a 20 year pre-let deal to Microsoft Research.

Marking the start of a new partnership, Power On has been appointed by KWD Connect, independent utilities specialist and managing agent for CB1, to provide a turnkey solution totalling 7.8MVA, comprising seven substations serving a development stretching over 2km, a High Voltage (HV) 3km cable route and an 800kVA temporary site supply. The company’s in-house design team developed a specific route for the infrastructure, negotiating extensively with the local authority to ensure surrounding roads would remain open throughout construction, minimising traffic disruption as much as possible.


Manj Thind, head of sales, Power On Connections said: "CB1 is one of the largest schemes the company has undertaken this year not only in terms of connection capacity but also the size of the infrastructure and we take great pride in contributing towards the changing landscape of Cambridge. In addition, this is the first project for Power On and KWD Connect and we are hopeful it will develop into a long and prosperous working relationship."

Gareth Spinner, senior project manager, KWD Connect added: "We have followed an extensive procurement process to secure the best delivery and price for the power for Brookgate in a challenging environment where power is scarce. Power On Connections successfully bid for the work against some strong competition. The commitment from the Power On team to deliver is what we like about them; the design and construction teams are well supported by the directors to give the client what they require."

Power On has commenced work on Phase One as well as carrying out extensive off site cable works in preparation for Phase Two to ensure Christmas road work restrictions do not affect the schedule. Both Phases are due for energisation within the next six months. The Temporary Supplies currently serving the whole site were energised by Power On in February 2011.