Ironbridge Power Station sale: Public to be consulted on redevelopment
Members of the public will be able to have their say on plans for the Ironbridge power station site.
Harworth, which has bought the landmark site for an undisclosed sum, said it was hoping to begin consultation with community groups in the autumn or winter.
But the company's first priority will be to make sure the site is safe and secure.
The comments come after it was announced the developer plans to build "several hundred" homes on the site.
The developer also plans to utilise parts of the 350-acre site for commercial and leisure uses.
A statement from the company said: "We are looking forward to breathing new life into the site, combining our experience in regenerating brownfield sites with valuable input from local partners and stakeholders.
"It is clear to us that the redevelopment of the former power station is a long-term programme and that any plans for the site need to be worked up with the utmost care and attention.
"As a result, our plan for the site in 2018 involves three main actions. Safety is our first and foremost concern and maintaining site safety and security is paramount to us. Our first job is to retain and establish a security presence over the entire site, to ensure that people are kept safe and the site is secure.
"Ironbridge Power Station is a complex site and it is important the we take our time to undertake detailed technical due diligence with its advisory team. This is so that we can properly understand the assets and liabilities across the entire 350-acre site.
"Once this process has been undertaken, we will begin our public engagement programme – we hope that this will be autumn or winter – to get input from key local groups on what the future of the site should look like."
Harworth said it was looking forward to working with community groups on the work.
"Steeped in heritage, we recognise that Ironbridge Power Station has played an important role in the history of the area over the past century," it said.
"We are very much looking forward to working together with the local communities to realise its great potential and keep it part of the community for the next 100 years."
Councillor Nicola Lowery, borough councillor for the Ironbridge Gorge said: "I am encouraged by the steps Harworth Group have taken to outline the next steps of the process and their short term plan for the site in 2018.
"Initial discussions with Harworth have been very positive and a meeting has already been arranged for local councillors to meet with Harworth early July.
"We have been keen to ensure our local communities have an opportunity to contribute their ideas on the future of the site and I am therefore delighted that Harworth will be looking embark on public engagement programme later on this year.
"The regeneration of this site presents a golden opportunity to harness the full potential of this strategic site and to ensure an innovative mixed use regeneration scheme that will hopefully provide an opportunity to expand our tourism destination and sustainably expand our physical and social infrastructure."
Power station talks continue
The future use of the Ironbridge power station site must compliment the existing community, Telford's council leader has said.
Councillor Shaun Davies said both Telford & Wrekin Council and the Gorge Parish Council would continue their talks with new owners Harworth.
“This is a significant moment in the site’s history,” Councillor Davies said.
“All of the site falls within Shropshire Council area and they are the relevant planning authority. However, Telford & Wrekin Council and the Gorge Parish Council clearly have a significant interest in the site and will continue our talks with the new owner.
“Shropshire Council must have high regard to the impact the development of the site has on the World Heritage Site and on the existing businesses and homes which fall within our borough. Any future use must compliment the existing community.”
Councillor Peter Nutting, leader of Shropshire Council, said this week he was delighted Harworth was investing in the county.
“Whilst the future of the site is yet to be decided, we’re excited to explore how we can work together to help us to realise our vision to make our county a great place to live, learn, work and visit,” he said.
