THE demolition of one of the area’s most iconic industrial landmarks is set to begin before the end of the year.
Cooling towers which have been visible for miles around for decades are set to be reduced to rubble, with the demolition process set to start over the coming months.
The whole clearance operation is expected to take between four and five years in total, encompassing the entire 820 acres site – which is the equivalent of around 410 football pitches.
Grand plans for the future of the site in Cuerdley, Warrington, were unveiled in July, including fresh industrial usage and a residential neighbourhood.
The power station, along with its iconic cooling towers which dominate the surrounding landscape, closed in March 2020 after nearly 50 years in operation.
No power is being generated, with the site now being fully decommissioned. Work occurring at present includes the extraction of ash to make products such as concrete.
In July, it was announced that Peel NRE had acquired Fiddler’s Ferry power station from energy company SSE Thermal.
Since the acquisition, the firm has been engaging with residents and key stakeholders about what this means for the future of the site.
It is currently proposed that the facility will be demolished to make way for the development of around 250-acres for industrial and employment use, and approximately 1,750 sustainable new homes.
Although plans are at an early stage, it is proposed that they will create high-quality jobs and a new sustainable neighbourhood to address local housing needs.
Plans will also create extensive new parkland, paths and wildlife areas to enhance and restore some of the local environment that has been home to the coal-fired power station.
Kieran Tames, development director for Peel NRE, previously said: “Fiddler’s Ferry power station has been a local landmark and part of the community for many years.
“But as the UK moves away from the use of fossil fuels for energy generation, the site was recently decommissioned by SSE.
“We now want to work with local people to develop exciting new plans and mark a new era for the site.
“One that best respects its history and meets the future economic, social and environmental ambitions of Warrington, the neighbouring district of Halton and their communities.
“Employment, housing, parkland and wildlife areas are a key part of this, and we are confident that we can bring forward proposals that create new exciting communities with more jobs, better homes and open space to help improve lives.”
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