A new vision for the £170m energy park at Ince have been revealed.
Peel Environmental released the designs for Protos, a ‘hub for energy, innovation and industry’.
They aim for it to become a key project in Chancellor George Osborne’s pursuit of a ‘Northern Powerhouse’.
Formerly Ince Resource and Recovery Park, the 126-acre site will include the controversial biomass plant and a timber processing facility.
Peel Environmental managing director Myles Kitcher said: “We are proud to launch our Protos vision to create a strategic energy hub at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse.
“This isn’t just aspirational, this is deliverable investment with spades already in the ground.
“Such significant investment will help us deliver a self-sustaining hub of businesses at Protos, centred on energy and innovation.
“We are also working to bring together industry and education in order to deliver this vision, which will be transformational for the north’s employment market and skills.”
Peel promise Protos will create 3,000 jobs and Frodsham Wind Farm will form part of the ‘wider vision’ for the eco-park.
A multi-million pound loan to support the project was secured from the North West Evergreen Fund.
Planning approval was granted to both the Energy-from-Waste (EfW) Facility and the timber plant in 2013 despite the objections of local campaigners.
There were fears the area could become a ‘dumping ground’ for the nation’s waste.
The original application for the incinerator was first submitted back in 2005.
Elton Councillor Stephen Smith said: “It’s a shame the name of the area is no longer part of the branding as I think it would be nice to refer to Ince.
“But I’m glad Peel are working closely with the University of Chester and providing people with opportunities to further their education.
“I’m still not exactly happy it’s on our doorstep.”
Peel’s additional plans for a solar farm at Hapsford were dealt a blow after their application was rejected by CWAC’s strategic planning committee on October 15.
Ties will be formed with the University of Chester’s Thornton Science Park to create ‘a unique bond between education and industry’.
University of Chester vice chancellor Professor Tim Wheeler said: “Thornton Science Park is a national example of how cutting edge research can underpin advances in manufacturing, energy security and sustainability.
“We share common goals with Peel to create a renowned hub for skills and industry.
“By aligning Thornton and Protos, we can foster innovation, create a highly-skilled workforce and create an environment where talent is retained in the north.”
Construction of the EfW facility, wind farm and access road has now begun.
Developers CoGen Ltd will build and operate the facility at the first Protos plots.
CoGen chief executive Ian Brooking said: “It is great to be the first mover at what will become a landmark energy destination for the north.
“Our facility will supply a renewable source of energy and we are delighted to be at the heart of Protos from day one.
“We are on site now and expect to be exporting power by 2017, adding to our growing portfolio of facilities across the UK.”
What do you make of Peel Environmental's plans? Are you in support or against? Let us know in the comments below.
