Acquisitive developer outlines Midlands expansion plans
A planning application for a major 350-acre mixed-use scheme in Telford could be decided upon by the end of 2020, according to the regional director of the landowner
Speaking at an exclusive commercial property lunch held by TheBusinessDesk.com at the Burlington Macdonald Hotel in central Birmingham, David Cockcroft outlined plans for the former Ironbridge Power Station site.
At the event, sponsored by TM Group, Cockcroft revealed that demolition of the now redundant buildings on the site will take place before Christmas, with the planning permission hopefully granted within 12 months.
Harworth Group bought the site from Uniper in June 2018. The power station was constructed in 1963 and ceased electricity generation in 2015, following demolition of the previous power station in the 1980s after 50 years of operation.
The site’s masterplan is currently in development with the input of Shropshire Council, stakeholders and residents, following a series of workshops and two public consultation events held in October 2018 and May 2019. The most recent masterplan 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. 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.
Talking more widely about Harworth’s plans for the future in the Midlands, Cockroft said: “It’s clear that the Government is tipping the Midlands for growth and we want to embed ourselves within the region. We’re already acquisitive and are looking at several brownfield sites across both East and West Midlands.
“Our team in the Midlands is working very hard – they all have strong backgrounds in the region and we’re coming together to create great communities across the region.”
Harworth is also bringing forward over 2,000 homes in a National Forest setting at Coalville in Leicestershire, together with other uses including a primary school, local centre and new public open space with footpaths and cycleways.
Acting as lead developer and in partnership with Bloor Homes, Davidsons Group and SECP Ltd, outline planning permission was obtained by Harworth in 2016 for the delivery of 2,700 homes on the 440-acre site.
The development is subject to a detailed Design Code, inspired by the area’s National Forest surroundings. This Design Code was worked up with local stakeholders including both relevant local authorities.
Phase 1 of the Harworth development will begin in 2020 with land currently being prepared for the delivery of the first 350-480 homes. In keeping with the local villages, the first phase will be named Hugglescote Grange.
