THE first part of the huge scheme to redevelop the former Fiddler's Ferry Power Station has been revealed.
Peel NRE, which now owns the former coal-fired power station in Cuerdley, says 2,100 jobs will created by its scheme to demolish and develop the initial 90 acres of the brownfield site to make way for 1.35 million square foot of employment space across four units.
The first phase will be worth £126m per year to the local economy when complete and it will create 452 construction jobs each year across the four- year build programme.
It will initially require the demolition of the coal stockyard and associated buildings which Peel NRE applied to Warrington Borough Council for back in September 2022. The demolition of the northern cooling towers will happen later next year.
Kieran Tames, Development Director for Peel NRE, part of regeneration business Peel L&P, said: “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.
“Our regeneration plans for Fiddler’s Ferry will create new opportunities for investment, jobs and family housing for Warrington, Widnes, Halton and surrounding communities.
“Our masterplan will create over 2,100 jobs and this first phase addresses a chronic shortage of modern employment space in Warrington and Widnes and will reduce the need for people to travel longer distances to work by helping companies to invest locally. We will also work with bus operators to improve transport to the development.
“Since we acquired the site earlier this year, we have been speaking extensively with key stakeholders across the region and we are looking forward to hearing initial feedback on our phase one plans from the local community.”
A CGI of the site
The wider development will create around 250-acres for employment use and a minimum of 1,760 new homes at the Widnes Road site.
Future plans will also include restoration of ash lagoons as extensive new parkland and wildlife areas to enhance recreation and the environment.
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.
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 according to Peel.
The public consultation runs from today, Monday until December 11.
Public exhibitions will be held from 3pm until 8pm on Tuesday, November 22 at Warrington Town Sports & Social Club and on Monday, November 28 at Karalius Suite, CBL Stadium.
Virtual drop ins will be also held on November 29 and 30 and can be booked online.
To find out more about the plans, the public events and to have your say, visit my.engaged.space/fiddlersferry.
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