THE owners of Fiddler’s Ferry power station have given an update as to when the site’s iconic cooling towers will be demolished.

The Cuerdley site has been earmarked for housing and industrial use following the cessation of operations when the power station closed in March 2020 after nearly 50 years.

Owners Peel NRE has appointed specialist Trafford-based demolition contractor P.P. O’Connor to carry out the phased demolition of Fiddler’s Ferry.

After a competitive tender process, the firm was appointed due to previous experience in complex demolitions such as INEOS in Runcorn, Lyondellbasell in Carrington and Stanlow Refinery in Ellesmere Port.

Peel NRE submitted a prior approval notice to Warrington Borough Council in September, outlining the process of how the site will be demolished.

The request, which included a demolition statement and plan for control of the site and safety in the local area, has now been approved.

Before the cooling towers are demolished, extensive work will be carried out by the team to ensure the highest safety standards are upheld. Residents will be kept informed throughout the process.

The first stage of demolition will include the phased demolition of the coal stock yard, four northern cooling towers and some of the former administrative buildings to the north of the site.

It is anticipated the cooling towers will be blown down by the end of January 2024.

Kieran Tames, development director at Peel NRE, said: “This announcement is one of the most exciting of this project so far and marks another major milestone in the redevelopment of Fiddler’s Ferry.

“It is reassuring to be working with industry experts, P.P. O’Connor as we demolish one of the countries last remaining coal-fired power stations.

“We know that the demolition has been anticipated by communities, not just in Warrington but across the region.

“We will ensure that residents will be kept updated on our demolition plans as we develop a precise timetable.”

Peter O’Connor, managing director at P.P. O’Connor, added: “Fiddler’s Ferry is a highly prestigious location, and we are very proud to be involved in this project.

“We look forward to working with Peel NRE to achieve its vision in the regeneration of this strategic site.

“We are a north west based business and have deployed our local team of experts to this project.

“During the peak of the project, we will have around 120 P.P. O’Connor staff and more than 50 pieces of plant and equipment on the project.

“We will be utilising our local workforce to deliver this project and create further job opportunities in the local communities.”

Natural resources and energy company Peel NRE acquired the Fiddler’s Ferry power station from energy company SSE Thermal in 2022.

It has produced a 10 to 15-year mixed-use masterplan for the 820-acre site – one of the largest brownfield sites in the country.