First chunk of 4m sq ft Fiddler’s Ferry scheme moves forward
Peel Natural Resources and Energy has launched a consultation on plans to build four industrial units totalling 1.35m sq ft at the decommissioned coal fired power station it bought earlier this year.
The first phase of buildings could accommodate around 2,100 workers and address a “chronic shortage of modern employment space in Warrington and Widnes”, according to Peel NRE development director Kieran Tames.
“We recognise the importance the former power station has had in the area for over the past 50 years, and we want to invite local people to have their say on securing the future development of the site,” he said.
The consultation focuses on a 90-acre swathe of the Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station, which was decommissioned in 2020.
Having acquired the site from SSE Thermal in July, Peel applied for planning permission to knock down the coal stockyard and associated buildings to pave the way for the first phase.
The demolition of the northern cooling towers will happen next year.
Peel bought the site from SSE Thermal this summer. Credit: Peel NRE
Peel NRE’s 10- to 15-year mixed-use masterplan for the 820-acre site includes the demolition of the former power station to create 4m sq ft of industrial and logistics space, as well as plans for homes to be delivered in partnership with Peel L&P’s homebuilder Northstone.
Warrington Council’s local plan has earmarked 250 acres of the Fiddler’s Ferry site for employment use and wants to see a minimum of 1,760 new homes developed.
Future plans include the restoration of ash lagoons as new parkland and wildlife areas.
A development framework is being prepared to set out the main principles of what will be delivered at the site, and a wider masterplan will be consulted on early next year, Peel said.
Initial demolition work is expected to start early next year. As many materials as possible from the first phase demolition will be recycled and reused for the development of the site.
The public consultation runs from 14 November until 11 December 2022.
With an existing high quality rail connection, and proximity to the waterfront, this site is probably one of the best available to create a new garden town. This should be at the forefront of the redevelopment, rather than yet more large sheds
By Prescotian
Anything that increases employment space and addresses the chronic lack of housing should be a priority-
By Stuart
We need these power stations
By James
Why demolish fiddlers ferry ⛴ power station that can be seen for miles around even from North Wales coast
By Darren Williams