Ironbridge Power Station demolition is ‘next step along journey’
Plans to demolish the iconic Ironbridge Power Station towers will define the future for the area, it has been said.
The owners of Ironbridge Power Station say the submission of demolition plans is “another step along the journey” towards redeveloping the site.
But many will be sad to see the towers knocked down.
Uniper is now seeking prior approval to clear the entire power station site in Buildwas, likely to begin next year, if the company is given the go-ahead.
The work, which will take three years, will include removing the site’s iconic pink cooling towers, which people have previously called for to be given listed status.
Gill Dickson, spokeswoman for Uniper, said: “I’m pleased to confirm that Uniper has submitted a planning application for the main demolition of the now-decommissioned Ironbridge Power Station.
“The application, which will be subject to the council’s usual planning process, marks another step along the journey for former power station site.”
There have been mixed views from residents over the towers for years, with some saying their loss will change the landscape of the Ironbridge Gorge, while others will be glad to see them go.
Councillors and groups from both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are hoping to work with Uniper on the future of the site, which is important to both council areas.
Councillor Nicola Lowery, ward member for the Ironbridge Gorge on Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “This application will define the future of this highly strategic site”.
Earlier this month, contractor Keltbray began demolishing a small section of the site, including two conveyors and some associated structures, for safety reasons and to make way for the future site clearing.
The power station has been shut since November 2015 and earlier this year, the 141-hectare site was put up for sale.
Property experts Cushman and Wakefield are handling the sale process on behalf of Uniper. The plant was officially switched off on November 20, 2015, after 46 years of service, following an EU directive.
Under the EU, ageing plants like Ironbridge were legally limited in the emissions they can produce and its operating hours were restricted in 2008.
The EU’s Large Combustion Plant Directive said the station had to end its life after passing the milestone of generating power for a total of 20,000 hours since January 1, 2008,
The company said it had reached the decision to seek a buyer after considering a number of options for the site. The site is nearing completion of decommissioning and earlier this year, Uniper said the full demolition of the site was expected to begin in 2018 subject to Shropshire Council approval.
Uniper has set up both an enquiry line and an email address for anyone with questions regarding the site plans.
People should contact 0121 270 8855 and UniperUK@outlook.com respectively. Enquiries relating to the site sale should be directed to david.tonks@cushwake.com.
