A NEW installation is celebrating eight decades of nuclear history and industrial transformation.
Birchwood Park, the former Risley site which helped shape the UK’s atomic energy programme, has unveiled an 80-year historical timeline as part of its 80 Years of Nuclear campaign.
The display marks the site’s evolution from a disused Second World War ordinance factory into the North West's largest out-of-town business destination.
Linda Welsby, leasing manager at Birchwood Park, said: "For 80 years, Birchwood Park has been part of the UK's nuclear story, but it's also been a part of thousands of people's own stories.
"The timeline is a way of celebrating both.
"As the site continues to evolve, it's important that we recognise the heritage that has shaped the park we know today.
"We're incredibly proud of the role it has played in supporting the UK's nuclear industry and the contribution it continues to make to the North West economy through the businesses and people based here.
"We're also hoping the timeline encourages people to share their own memories and helps a new generation discover the opportunities and careers that continue to be created here."
Birchwood Park is now home to more than 165 organisations, including over 30 nuclear sector businesses, and sits at the heart of one of the UK’s most significant nuclear clusters.
More than 6,000 people work across Warrington’s nuclear community – the only region in the UK to span the full nuclear lifecycle.
The timeline highlights not only the site’s history but also its continued impact.
The sector in the North West is expected to contribute more than £15 billion to the economy by 2030, with nuclear employment forecast to grow by almost 49 per cent.
The timeline chronicles key moments from the past eight decades, celebrating the people, organisations, and innovations that have shaped the site.
As part of the anniversary, Birchwood Park is inviting current and former employees, visitors, and members of the local community to share their memories, photographs, and stories of the site through its dedicated 80 Years of Nuclear webpage.
Rachel O’Donnell, chair of the Northern Nuclear Alliance (NNA), said: "The Northern Nuclear Alliance exists to champion the organisations and capabilities that make the North West the number one region for nuclear services in the UK.
"Birchwood Park has been central to that story for 80 years, bringing together businesses that have helped shape the industry and continue to drive it forward today.
"Supporting initiatives like this is about recognising that heritage while also demonstrating the strength of the nuclear community we have here today.
"It's a story worth celebrating because it's also the foundation for the sector's future growth."
To find out more about the campaign, visit birchwoodpark.co.uk/80-years-of-nuclear
