Plans submitted to start begin Fiddler’s Ferry demolition

It was confirmed last month that Peel NRE, the new owners of the Cuerdley site, intended to start the clearance process before the end of the year.

The power station closed in March 2020 after nearly 50 years in operation, with no power being generated at present due to the site being fully decommissioned.

In its place, the mainly brownfield site will be regenerated to create new opportunities for investment, jobs and housing.

Peel has submitted documents to Warrington Borough Council to prepare the first phases of development at the northern part of the Widnes Road site.

This will include the demolition of the four northern iconic cooling towers, nearby admin buildings and clearance of the former coal stockyard and machinery.

It is anticipated that the full demolition process across the 820-acre site will take between four and five years.

Peel has a 10 to 15-year masterplan for land currently occupied by the power station, with the aim of repurposing it for industrial use and a new sustainable community.

Plans will also create extensive new parkland and wildlife areas to enhance the environment in partnership with Peel L&P’s homebuilder, Northstone.

Plans have been submitted to begin the demolition of Fiddler's Ferry Power Station (Image: Dave Gillespie)

Controlled demolition techniques will be carried out to demolish the four, 115m-high concrete cooling towers.

As much material as possible from the first phase demolition will be re-used on the site as engineering material for the re development of the site.

If approved, the demolition is expected to start later this year and take up to a year to complete.

The Fiddler’s Ferry site, which also includes agricultural land, was identified in the 2021 version of the Warrington Local Plan for the development of around 250-acres for employment use and a minimum of 1,760 new homes.

Kieran Tames, development director for Peel NRE, said: “The submission of these plans takes us a step closer to starting work to regenerate the former power station site.

“It will secure future investment for Warrington, Halton and the wider region, including new family homes, improved facilities and more jobs.

“The first phase of demolition will take place at the northern part of the site, and we will be working with contractors and the community to ensure this is carefully planned and managed to the highest safety and environmental standards.

“We recognise that the demolition programme will be of significant interest to many local people, and we will be ensuring we keep residents informed throughout the process.

“A public consultation on the first phase of our proposed development will also be taking place later in the year, and we look forward to liaising closely with the local community to help shape our plans.”