Plans to regenerate Fiddler’s Ferry are submitted to Warrington Borough Council, supporting over 2,100 jobs

Following public consultation with the local community in late 2022, detailed plans have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council by Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P, to regenerate Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station.

The proposals to build on the Fiddler’s Ferry brownfield site are the first of three phases of the project including plans to address the chronic shortage of modern employment space by providing four industrial buildings and service yards totalling 1.4 million sq ft of floorspace.

These buildings, along with parking and landscaped green space will provide opportunity to support over 2,100 jobs for local people, 845 of which will be created by the project, adding up to £89.2m to Warrington’s vibrant and growing economy.

Later phases of the project will include a new neighbourhood to the east of the former power station which could include new family homes supported by space for a new primary school, shops and a GP surgery. Plans for the further residential development will be submitted at a later time and will be guided by a Development Framework including a wider masterplan for the site which will be shared with the public later this year.

Transport improvements are a key part of the proposals with NRE committing to improvements of the existing Widnes Road (A562). A new dedicated pedestrian and cycle link to Widnes Road (A562) will also provide safe access to and from the development.

Located on the north bank of the River Mersey, Fiddler’s Ferry has been a prominent landmark for half a century. Peel NRE’s vision is to bring this site back into productive use and ensure that it can continue to contribute to the local economy through the creation of jobs and new homes.

The site has been identified by Warrington Borough Council as space for modern employment within Borough’s Local Plan. As part of the wider local and environmental considerations, Peel NRE, has committed to a 10% biodiversity net gain which means the environment will be improved overall by this scheme.

This submission comes ahead of the appointment of demolition contractors which is expected in the coming weeks. The former coal stockyard, office buildings and four northern cooling towers are expected to be demolished before the end of the year.

Kieran Tames, Development Director at Peel NRE commented:

“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.