News

Green light for first phase of Fiddler’s Ferry regeneration in Warrington

We have advised Peel NRE on plans for 130,714 sqm of employment floorspace at Fiddler’s Ferry, which has been approved unanimously by Warrington’s Development Management Committee and is set to boost the local economy and bring hundreds of new jobs to the area.

Turley has provided expert Planning and Sustainability services to Peel NRE for plans for the first phase of the Fiddler’s Ferry regeneration, with resolution to grant planning permission now provided by the Warrington Borough Council Development Management Committee, kickstarting the transformation of the former power station site. 

The approved Phase 1 scheme will deliver up to 130,714 sq m of employment floor space across four units across both industrial and distribution uses and is expected to create around 845 jobs, boosting the local economy and providing new employment opportunities for Warrington and the surrounding area.

The scheme will be delivered across approximately 40 hectares of the former coal yard, representing the first step in redeveloping the wider 324-hectare site – which is allocated in Warrington’s Local Plan for a long-term, sustainable mixed-use development. 

Thomas Lord, Associate Director, said: 

“This approval marks a proud moment for the team in unlocking the potential of this strategically important site. Securing a unanimous resolution to grant planning permission for the first phase of employment development at Fiddler’s Ferry sets in motion the long-term benefits of this major regeneration. Our team has been pleased to contribute to this phase on behalf of Peel NRE, and prior to this, the Development Framework, Employment Area Design Code and demolition-phase prior approvals. We look forward to continuing our work with Peel NRE and the collaborative project team as this transformation continues to take shape.”

Keiran Tames, Development Director at Peel NRE said:

“We’re delighted that Warrington Borough Council has approved this first phase of development at Fiddler’s Ferry. 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 development will include sustainable features, with buildings targeting a minimum BREAM “Very Good” rating, the scheme also incorporates renewable energy generation, including solar PV and heat pumps, alongside landscaping, amenity space, and sustainable drainage features. Alongside planning advisory for the first phase of the regeneration, we also prepared the Sustainability and Energy Strategy and supported the project through the initial BREEAM pre-assessment and early stages.

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.

Since the removal of the northern cooling towers in December 2023, significant progress has continued across the site with clearance works focusing on the southern cooling tower area, gas turbine house, pumping station and water treatment facilities. 

Peel is set to begin the next major phase of site preparation in the coming weeks, which will address the Flue Gas De-Sulphurisation plant, precipitators and remaining coal handling infrastructure.

The approval for Phase 1 represents just the first step in delivering the vision set out in the Fiddler’s Ferry Development Framework, which we helped to prepare and secure approval for from Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet in September 2024. 

The wider masterplan will eventually deliver approximately 101 hectares of employment land and a minimum of 860 new homes, alongside parkland and recreational areas. 

Learn more about our wider role at Fiddler’s Ferry. 

29 May 2025