Member Article

Smith Brothers races on with high-voltage upgrade works at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium

Yorkshire power contractor Smith Brothers has been appointed by WMA Architects to undertake high-voltage upgrade works at Sheffield’s Owlerton Stadium.

As Yorkshire’s premier greyhound track, the stadium hosts races almost every day of the week. The wider redevelopment project being conducted by WMA Architects, will see significant updates made across the venue – including a new hospitality suite and general upgrade works.

Contracted to overhaul the existing high-voltage electrical infrastructure, Smith Brothers has been tasked with delivering this aspect of the project by December 2018 – subject to Northern Powergrid’s own works – to ensure the wider upgrades can begin on schedule.

With work having commenced in September, the Elland-based contractor will be responsible for the design, supply and installation of an 11kV ring main unit. This entails the establishment of three package substations, including 800kVA transformers – with close coupled ring main units and three low-voltage switchboards – plus associated high and low-voltage cabling.

Kelvin Fallow, technical director at WMA Architects, explained why they chose Smith Brothers for the upgrade works: “Smith Brothers’ experience in this type of project gave us the confidence that the team could not only complete the infrastructure installation, but also manage the transfer of the various existing supplies onto the new network.”

Commenting on the project, Smith Brothers’ project manager Emma Charlesworth added: “For any upgrade to a venue such as this one, minimising disruption is key. Given the work we are doing is part of a more comprehensive overhaul of Owlerton Stadium, strict deadlines are in place to ensure the wider project can commence on time.

“As ever, our dedicated team will be working hard to meet all set deadlines and keep the project on track. We are thrilled to be welcoming WMA Architects into our growing client portfolio and also to be working at one of Sheffield’s leading entertainment venues.”

Smith Brothers is a high-voltage power engineering contractor and accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP) specialising in delivering turnkey network connection packages across an array of sectors – including renewable energy, utilities, industrial and commercial.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katie Mallinson .