Iconic Cooling Towers at Ironbridge Power Station

Regeneration of the former Ironbridge Power Station

Ironbridge Power Station

Overview & Vision

Harworth Group’s highest profile acquisition of 2018; the 350-acre former Ironbridge Power Station is planned for regeneration into a mixed-use scheme, creating a new community at the heart of the region’s industrial heritage.

Harworth Group purchased the site from Uniper plc in June 2018 which comprises the former power station, former social club (redundant sports pitches, timber pavilion and golf course), borrow pits, Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) landfill waste tips and a rail siding, which was historically used to transport coal to the site.

The power station was constructed in 1963 and ceased electricity generation in 2015, following demolition of the previous power station in the 1980’s after 50 years of operation.

Harworth’s masterplan, submitted for outline planning at the end of 2019, shows a mixed-use scheme for 1,000 new homes in addition to a range of commercial, leisure and community uses including a park and ride facility, a school and public open space. Before development of these areas, a period of activity will commence to remove the existing minerals from the site. Talks are also ongoing with National Rail to bring the existing rail sidings on the site back into operation in addition to strengthening the rail bridge that crosses the river.

The Ironbridge scheme is likely to take between 10 and 15 years to fully develop.

Former Ironbridge Power Station – March 2020

Development Progress

Harworth Group hosted a public consultation event in October 2018 to present its initial plans, with over 600 people in attendance. Feedback from the consultation contributed to the emerging masterplan for the site, which was presented at the follow up public consultation event in May 2019 prior to the masterplan’s eventual planning submission to both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils in December 2019.

In addition, Harworth also submitted a planning application to release 1.9 million tonnes of saleable sand and gravel from the greenfield area of the site over a period of 5 years. Harworth are continuing to work closely with Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils to coordinate the approach to the planning application consultation responses and to understand the phasing of infrastructure contributions.

Alongside masterplanning, Harworth are also undertaking the demolition of the former Power Station buildings including the cooling towers, that were successfully demolished in December 2019. The National Grid and Western Power Distribution substations and equipment will not be demolished and the assets will form part of the overall masterplan.

Development Gallery

The Pump House at Ironbridge Power Station
Iconic Cooling Towers at Ironbridge Power Station

Location Map

Opportunities & Enquiries

The first phase of housing development is likely to start in 2021 with the second phase of housing to follow in 2022. Land sales for commercial uses may happen sooner. For all initial enquiries, please contact the Midlands Regional Director, David Cockroft.