JE Energy Division Director David Padfield (front left) and Jayen Ltd MD John Trant sign the Civil Works contract at the Powerhouse

Work on the new £17m St Helier West primary substation at the former Westmount Quarry site is expected to start shortly following the signing this week of the Civil Works contract between Jersey Electricity and Jayen Ltd.

Since Jersey Electricity acquired ownership of the 10,000sq ft site for this much-needed new network infrastructure just over 12 months ago, work has been steadily proceeding to identify and assess the ground conditions of this old coastal quarry site. This work has involved careful clearance and investigation of the site to ensure the specification for the Civil Works was properly prepared.

Before the civil investigations could begin, the site was cleared of undergrowth and protected green lizards, identified during an Ecological Study, had to be temporarily re-homed. Once the small creatures had been moved, a perimeter hoarding was installed to prevent them returning until the works are complete.

The civil works investigations are very important to ensure that the old quarry wall can be safely removed, whilst maintaining the ground stability. Once the old wall is removed, Jayen will construct a new retaining wall, which will protect the new primary substation below it, and which will blend into the surrounding landscape, providing a public viewing platform overlooking St Aubin's Bay north of the substation.

Jersey Electricity CEO Chris Ambler said: 'The Westmount Gardens Quarry site has, as expected, proved challenging and this has required a considerable amount of investigative and civils design work. Now we have the civil works specified and the contract signed, we expect site works to begin in earnest early in the New Year.'

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