Iconic site up for sale

One of Shropshire's most iconic industrial sites is to go on the market, its owner has revealed.

Energy company Uniper, the owner of the former Buildwas power station at Ironbridge, has announced that it plans to put the 141 hectare site up for sale.

Uniper said it had reached the decision to seek a buyer after considering a number of options for the site. The coal-fired and latterly biomass power station which had been generating on the site ceased operations in November 2015.

“We thought long and hard about the site but after concluding it wasn’t suitable for any future conventional power generation projects, decided that the best option would be to seek a suitable investor who could help realise its potential,” said Neil Riley, head of development at Uniper UK.

“The power station here performed a sterling role in generating electricity for almost half a century but it’s time now for the site to look to a different future.

"We’re looking forward to working with our appointed agents, Cushman & Wakefield, who will market the site on our behalf and help us find the right buyer.”

The plans were revealed at a special meeting comprising representatives from local councils.

“We’ve been talking to council representatives about the site for some time and welcomed the opportunity to set out our plans yesterday,” said Neil.

“We intend to continue these important conversations as the sale process progresses.”

Malcolm Pate, leader of Shropshire Council, added: “We welcome Uniper’s continued dialogue with Shropshire Council and their willingness to work with us as part of their plans to dispose of Buildwas power station.

"This will ensure that we can get the maximum benefit from the redevelopment of the site to support the county’s economic growth.”

Decommissioning work at Buildwas is now in its final stages and demolition plans are being drawn up in parallel with the site sale process.

“We will look to work with a buyer depending on their experience of taking on industrial sites of this nature,” said Uniper UK’s Head of Assets, Adam Archer.

There has been keen interest in the future of the former power station since its shut-down 15 months ago and Uniper recognises that this will continue with news of the site sale.

“We fully appreciate the potential of the site and will engage with potential purchasers who have the resources and energy to help open a new chapter for the area,” added Adam.

“We’re sure that any prospective purchaser will want to continue positive discussions with local authorities.”