23 Oct 2017

115-year-old electricity substation honoured in Stockport

A Grade II listed electricity substation which has been providing electricity to homes and businesses in Heaton Moor and surrounding areas since 1902 has been commemorated.

Working with the local Heatons Heritage Society, the regions power network operator Electricity North West unveiled a new plaque outside the substation which has been a key feature on the main road in Heaton Moor for 115 years.

When the substation was first constructed Edward VII was king, Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published, two years later Frederick Royce met Charles Rolls in the Midland Hotel and there were 73 power supplies in the North West owned by 60 local authorities.

With more modern equipment and innovative technology in place the primary substation, which is located in the Heaton Moor Conservation Area, is still in operation today helping to provide power to 10,000 people who rely on electricity every day.

Mark Williamson, operations director for Electricity North West and Heaton Mersey resident, said: “We’re proud that this fantastic building which has been a key feature in the area for more than a hundred years and which is still powering the local community today has been honoured.

“It’s amazing to think of how much has changed since the building was first constructed. From the beginning of the electricity distribution network to how the much we rely on electricity from charging our phones to warming our homes to charging our cars.

“We are delighted to work with the Heatons Heritage Society to commemorate the building in this way.”

Phil Rowbotham, chairman of the Heatons Heritage Society, said: “The aim of the Heatons Heritage Society is to promote, improve and develop the heritage and conservation of all the 'Four Heatons', Heaton Chapel, Heaton Mersey, Heaton Moor and Heaton Norris, locked together to create a positive outlook for the benefit of all of the local community.”

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