Shropshire Star

Demolition of landmark Ironbridge power station to begin in spring

Demolition of the Ironbridge Power Station could begin within the next few months, it has been revealed.

Published
The cooling towers will be knocked down as part of the work

Tearing down the landmark power station will begin from spring, as soon as contractors have been hired to do the job.

Owners Harworth are investigating the use of the intact but disused railway line through Ironbridge as a means of removing waste from the site.

A statement from the company said: "Part of our ongoing engagement has included meeting with stakeholders – including Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils – and local groups to identify how the proposals can regenerate the site and benefit the wider area.

"We will pull together the themes that emerged from the consultation and subsequent discussions to create a master plan for the site. We will present this master plan at a public exhibition event in the spring.

"Demolition is scheduled to start early 2019 once contractors have been appointed. Harworth will be employing experts to demolish structures in a safe manner and are investigating use of the railway line to remove waste from site."

The majority of the power station will be demolished as part of the work, including the iconic cooling towers, which Harworth said are not structurally sound.

Up to 1,000 homes could be built on both brownfield and greenfield sites, with the full project taking up to 15 years to complete.

Leisure facilities will be enhanced as part of the scheme, and nearby footpath and cycling links will be connected to the site.

In summer the company will submit its planning application for its final plans.

Nearly 600 people turned out for a public exhibition at the power station on October 11.

Tours were given around the site, and all who attended got a broad look at potential ideas for the sight.

Hundreds more people have commented on the plans in the time since on the internet.

Key themes raised include the importance of retaining the railway, the impact any new homes could have on the highways and the need for services including a primary school and health facilities.

Harworth said that any plans would take into account the local wildlife.

Councillor Nicola Lowery, Borough Councillor for the Ironbridge Gorge said: “It’s encouraging to see the steps Harworth are undertaking to engage with our communities, as it’s imperative their views are considered and where possible incorporated into the future design of this important site.

"It’s important that the impact on our highways and infrastructure is also considered and I’m pleased to see work is already being developed on highways and the introduction of education and health services on the site."