A brilliant result for Shropshire – new owners found for former Ironbridge power station site
Shropshire Council is delighted that Harworth Group plc has been confirmed as the new owner of the former power station site at Ironbridge, hailing an exciting future for the area, and the county as a whole.
Harworth Group plc is one of the UK’s leading land and property regeneration companies, specialising in bringing to life former industrial sites and derelict land. Its purchase of the 141-hectare site, which closed in November 2015, is one of its largest acquisitions in the Midlands to date.
Former power station site in Ironbridge.
Councillor Peter Nutting, Shropshire Council’s Leader, said:
“This is great news – it’s a majorly important site for Shropshire.
“Harworth Group plc is one of the leading companies in its field and we’re pleased that they’ve chosen to invest in the county, bringing with them expertise and jobs, as well as breathing new life into the area.
“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.”
Over the next 12 months the company will use its extensive regeneration experience to formulate plans for the site’s redevelopment. The council will be working closely with them and have been assured that local people will be involved in shaping future plans.
Councillor Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth, added:
“This is a brilliant result for Shropshire. In the lead up to the sale we held a number of high level discussions with the seller, Uniper and the buyer, Harworth Group plc to support them through the process.
“We are committed to continuing to work with the company, the community and stakeholders to ensure the best use of the site.
“We have every confidence that the redevelopment will bring with it lots of new jobs and provide vital new infrastructure to rejuvenate the area, while giving Shropshire’s economy a huge boost.”
Further information
About the Ironbridge Power Station
The Ironbridge Power Station, which sits within approximately 141 hectares, includes power station structures, coal storage areas, former recreation grounds and an area of agricultural land.
Location
Ironbridge is a town on the River Severn, at the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire. The Ironbridge Power Station site is located on the southern bank of the River Severn approximately 0.75 miles from Ironbridge town and approximately 6.5 miles South West of Telford town centre and is accessed from the M54, Junction 6.
The boundaries of the eastern part of the site lie immediately adjoining, but excluded from, the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. The settlement of Buildwas lies approximately 0.5 miles west of the former station.
About Harworth Group plc
Listed on the main market, Harworth Group plc (LSE: HWG) is a leading regenerator of land and property for development and investment which owns, develops and manages a portfolio of approximately 21,000 acres of land on around 140 sites located throughout the Midlands and North of England. The company specialises in the regeneration of former coalfield sites and other former industrial land into new residential developments and employment areas.
