PLANS for 860 homes on the site of Fiddlers Ferry have been revealed.

The homes come as part of the redevelopment of the land – which is one of the largest brownfield sites in the region.

Developers say the area is suffering from a shortage of all types of homes, with many stuck on the housing waiting list or paying too much for their rent or mortgage.

They say that by delivering 860 new homes, the development can help to give people the opportunity to enjoy the security of their home.

And 30 per cent of them will be available via a variety of affordable schemes such as social rent, shared ownership, and affordable rent.

Four of the cooling towers at Fiddler's Ferry were demolished last month as part of the redevelopment plans, with the blowdown date for the rest still to be confirmed.

As well as the new homes, the emerging development framework for Fiddlers Ferry sets out the development of a total of 101 hectares of employment land, significant new public open space, and supporting community infrastructure.

The employment element of the site will provide space to 6,750 new jobs in a variety of roles, with the land being identified to provide modern premises for manufacturing and logistics businesses to respond to the ‘existing shortage’ of this type of floor space in the area.

This space will provide opportunities for local businesses while bringing jobs back to the site, say developers.

The development framework also identifies how Peel NRE will improve the natural environment. This will include improving habitats, creating new habitats and increasing biodiversity.

In late 2022, Peel NRE conducted a consultation on the initial phase of the employment land. The planning application for this first phase of re-development is waiting to be determined by Warrington Council.

Residents now have the opportunity to offer their views on the development framework.

Kieran Tames, development director for Peel NRE said “We are happy to be presenting our Development Framework for Fiddler’s Ferry.

"The plans will help deliver thousands of new jobs and hundreds of new homes, with green spaces and increased biodiversity to make it a place people can enjoy.

"We are looking to hear from the wider community on how our plans could be improved and welcome the community's involvement in this consultation.”

The consultation will run from today, January 15, until February 11. There are several ways to engage with the consultation including:

•             The consultation can be viewed at https://my.engaged.space/fiddlersframework/.

•             Attend a physical exhibition on

  • Tuesday, January 30, 2pm to 5.45pm at Penketh Parish Council, The Pool and Community Room
    Honiton Way, Penketh WA5 2EY
  • Thursday, February 1, 2pm to 7.30pm at Karalius Suite, DCBL Stadium, Lower House Lane, Widnes WA8 7DZ

•             Book a one-to-one virtual drop-in session. Details can be found here.

•             View the full Draft Development Framework and associated documents here.

For more information about Peel NRE or the demolition of the site, visit www.fiddlersferry.com