Warrington logistics and industrial scheme gets thumbs up
Planning permission has been granted for the first phase of the redevelopment of the former Fiddlers Ferry Power Station in Warrington into a 820-acre sustainable mixed use development that includes a 1.4 million ft2 logistics and industrial park.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
PLANNING HAS been granted for the initial phase of the redevelopment which will take in the 98-acre coal yard at the former Fiddlers Ferry Power Station (FFPS) site. It is envisioned that a speculative scheme of four units totalling 1.406 million ft2 with ancillary office space and associated service yards, parking, landscaping and infrastructure will be developed.
The unit with eaves height from 22- 34m will range in size from 98,690 ft2 to 693,930 ft2 (GEA) and will be built to target BREEAM Very Good and an EPC A+ rating.
Peel NRE acquired FFPS from its previous owner, SSE Thermal, in July 2022 to bring forward the comprehensive redevelopment of the site and surrounding land.
Development director Keiran Tames, said: “This marks a significant milestone in the transformation of this strategic brownfield site and will enable us to continue our investment in the site and Warrington.”
The scheme will also incorporate renewable energy generation, including solar PV and heat pumps, alongside landscaping, amenity space, and sustainable drainage features.
The first phase will see net job creation within the first four years of 845 additional jobs within Warrington with the full redevelopment expected to deliver 2,100 jobs and address a long-term shortage of modern employment space in the area.
The approval also secures important transport infrastructure including improvements to the existing access at Widnes Road, new pedestrian and cycle connections, and contributions toward enhanced public transport services.
The overall scheme will see the development of 249.5 acres of employment land and 860 new homes.
Peel NRE’s plans for Fiddler’s Ferry are being developed in line with the 2021 Warrington Local Plan
Peel NRE’s 10 to 15-year mixed-use masterplan for the 820-acre site includes the demolition of the former power station to create industrial and logistics space to help boost jobs and a new sustainable community delivered in partnership with Peel L&P’s homebuilder Northstone to help meet local housing demand.
Future plans will also include restoration of ash lagoons as extensive new parkland and wildlife areas to enhance recreation and the environment.
Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station was formerly owned by SSE Thermal and was decommissioned in 2020.
