We have received a request to provide a new connection for a data centre in the Park Royal area near to the Grand Union Canal. Under our license to operate, we have a legal obligation to connect companies to our network when a connection is requested.

We will be removing and replacing the existing cables along the Grand Union Canal towpath between Old Oak and Kensal Green, and laying 3km of new cable along the Grand Union Canal towpath using the existing high voltage cable troughs.

The first phase of works will focus on removing the existing cables from the towpath starting in May 2024 and is estimated to run until early 2025. After this, we will conduct a second phase of works to commission and install the new cables. This is estimated to be completed by summer 2026.

The works will be funded by National Grid and the new data centre operator. They will not come at a cost to the taxpayer.

You may experience a static shock when walking on the pontoons set up along the canal. This is caused by the movement of the pontoon in the water, which creates friction between the plastic bases. National Grid has consulted with the barge hire sub-contractor and the pontoon owner, who have both confirmed that this is a common occurrence with all pontoons. 

Whilst there is no way to completely prevent it, we would like to reassure you that it is not at all harmful. National Grid can also confirm that there are no live wires adjacent to or underneath the pontoons.

For the safety of both cyclists and pedestrians, we ask that all cyclists dismount from their bicycles when travelling along sections of the towpath where pontoons have been set up. This precaution helps prevent accidents and ensures the pontoons remain in good condition.

We have observed a significant outflow of water, which we believe is originating from the bank adjacent to The Collective, Old Oak Lane. This water is flowing into our works area and stopping us from removing cables from this section of the towpath. 

We are currently investigating the issue in collaboration with other local stakeholders, to stop the outflow of water in this area. Once this has been completed, we will be able to resume our works and re-open this section of the towpath.

In December 2023, we held a series of drop-in events across four separate locations including Willesden Junction, Kensal Green and Harlesden Underground Stations, as well on the Grand Union Canal itself, near to The Collective Old Oak. These events provided an opportunity for us to talk to the local community, understand their concerns and answer any questions that were raised.

We will look to hold further events ahead of phase 2 works to share more information on our plans.  

We have regularly consulted both the Canal River Trust and Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation about the works, holding briefing sessions with our project and community engagement teams. In addition to this, we have briefed local ward councillors, local boroughs, Transport for London and additional community groups and stakeholders to make them aware of the upcoming works.

As part of the agreed project works, we have liaised with CRT to secure funding for specific investments along the towpath. This funding will be allocated to different sections of the towpath and treated on a case-by-case basis, working in partnership with CRT. This also includes our Community Grant Programme.

The Community Grant Programme is run by the National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) business. We own and maintain the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales. The programme is aimed at community organisations and charities in areas where our work is impacting local people through our operations and construction activities.

Communities impacted by the maintenance of existing infrastructure (e.g. refurbishment of overhead lines or substations resulting in road closures and other impacts) can apply for grants of up to £10,000.

More information is available at www.nationalgrid.com/responsibility/community/community-grant-programme.