Plans have been filed for the first phase of the redevelopment of Fiddler’s Ferry.
Peel NRE - part of Peel’s regeneration arm Peel L&P - is seeking permission from Warrington Borough Council to build four large logistics and manufacturing buildings plus service yards spanning 1.4 million sq ft of land on the site’s western flank. A spokeswoman for Peel NRE said the project will bring brownfield land back into use and plug a “chronic shortage” of modern employment space and support 2,100 jobs and add up to £89.2m to Warrington’s economy.
Later phases will include a new neighbourhood east of the former power station, with the potential to include a primary school, shops and GP surgery, with further plans for more housing to be submitted later and as outlined in a masterplan to be published later this year. Peel said Widnes Road will be improved as part of the project and a pedestrian path and cycleway will be created, adding the company had committed to a net 10% biodiversity gain.
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The company expects a demolition contractor to be appointed in coming weeks, with the former coal stockyard, office buildings and four northern cooling towers due to be demolished before the end of the year.
It follows public consultation in Warrington and also neighbouring Widnes.
Peel has previously said a controlled explosion will be used to level the famous towers, with the material reused on site where possible.
Fiddler’s Ferry was built in 1971 and was fully operational as a coal-fired power plant from 1973 onwards, dominating the River Mersey skyline between Widnes and Warrington until it was switched off in 2020 as part of the Government’s climate goals.
Kieran Tames, Peel NRE development director, said: “Following a detailed consultation with stakeholders across Warrington and Halton and members of the local community, we are delighted to submit the planning application for the Phase 1 redevelopment of Fiddler’s Ferry.
“Over 5,700 individuals engaged with our interactive consultation hosted by specialist digital agency Deetu as well several in-person events in Warrington, Widnes and Penketh.
“The level of public support during the consultation was significant, with particular support for the redevelopment of brownfield land, job creation, and more sustainable and energy efficient buildings.
“However, we do understand the concerns of residents about pressure on local transport links so have taken necessary steps to provide sustainable alternative transport options and improve existing access to the site.
“We will continue our engagement with site neighbours and while the formal consultation period is now closed, residents can still access our plans online and contact the project team.”
The closed Fiddler’s Ferry consultation can be found here.
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