Peel Land takes step forward with plans to build 860 new homes and 101 hectares of commercial and industrial space on the site of the former Fiddler’s Ferry power station. Tony McDonough reports
A plan to build a huge commercial and residential development on the site of the former Fiddler’s Ferry power station in Warrington.
In 2023 Peel Land submitted detailed plans to Warrington Council for the redevelopment of the power station whose famous eight cooling towers dominated the skyline for more than 50 years. Four of the towers have been demolished with the remainder to go before the end of 2026.
Peel wants to oversee the construction of 860 new , 30% of which will be ‘affordable’ and 101 hectares of commercial and industrial space. At the end of last year, planning was approved for Phase 1 of the employment development.
This week the company has announced it has prepared a residential design code to establish a clear framework for the design and delivery of a new residential neighbourhood.
This code will ensure future phases of development will create an “attractive, sustainable and well-connected place” for residents and communities.
Significant progress has already been made on site, including the demolition of the power station and the preparation of the Fiddler’s Ferry Development Framework and an Employment Area Design Code in collaboration with Warrington Council.
Sharne Sahajpal, associate development director at Peel Land, said: “The preparation of a design code for the residential element of Fiddler’s Ferry represents another important milestone in the regeneration of the site.
“Through close collaboration with Warrington Council and our consultant team, we have already made significant progress in unlocking the site and establishing a clear framework for its future development.”
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Peel Land forms part of the wider Peel Group, a privately owned UK infrastructure and real estate investor with interests spanning ports, retail parks, waterfront regeneration and strategic land.
In 1971 the coal-fired power station generated its first electricity. It was closed in March 2020 as part of the phasing out of coal.
Its eight cooling towers were among the most prominent landmarks in the North West. Each tower was 374ft high with a chimney rising to 660ft. The facility is visible from as far away as the Peak District.