UK Power Networks has refurbished the Finsbury Market substation in central London, investing £483,000 to upgrade two transformers at the site near Liverpool Street.
The work focused on the existing equipment rather than replacement, with the company describing the investment as giving vital infrastructure a new lease of life. According to UK Power Networks, refurbishing and maintaining the two transformers will strengthen the local electricity network and improve reliability for the businesses and residents who depend on it, both now and in the future.
Alongside the electrical work inside the compound, the perimeter wall was used as a canvas for street art. Global Street Art, which the company identifies as Europe's leading producer of hand-painted advertising and public art murals, worked with street artist Nelio Riga to bring the red-brick wall to life as part of its latest project.
Chanelle Mistry, project manager at UK Power Networks, said the investment gives vital infrastructure a new lease of life, and that refurbishing and maintaining the two transformers helps strengthen the local electricity network and improve reliability for the many businesses and residents who rely on it daily and into the future. She added that while the equipment was being upgraded behind the scenes, the company was pleased to see the outside of the site transformed by a new piece of artwork that will help brighten the local area.
Dr Lee Bofkin, co-founder of Global Street Art, said it had been a pleasure to work with UK Power Networks and Broadgate Quarter on such an important and prominent site, and that the project supports the organisation's ongoing mission to "live in painted cities". He thanked UK Power Networks and everyone else involved for their dedication to the project, noting that he frequently walks past the walls, as do many other people, and that it is good to see the work so well received.