The owner of the former Turner Brothers asbestos factory in Rochdale will carry out investigations to locate where asbestos has been buried on the 75-acre site, which was once the world’s largest producer of the toxic material.
Spodden Park Ltd, which owns the site in Spotland, said the asbestos will not be disturbed during the work. The contractor carrying out the survey will provide a better understanding of the landscape so that when the site clean-up does happen, it can be done safely.
Investigation works planned
A spokesperson for Spodden Park said: “Over the next few weeks, a specialist contractor will undertake investigation works across the site. These investigations will enable us to better understand ground conditions across the site, including the location of asbestos beneath the ground. This will inform the safest and most appropriate remediation strategy.”
The spokesperson added: “During these investigations, no asbestos will be disturbed and no buildings or structures will be demolished. To carry out these works, heavy machinery will be operating on site. Some breaking of concrete may be required; however, the concrete itself does not contain asbestos.”
Security warning to trespassers
In a recent update, Spodden Park also issued another warning urging trespassers not to set foot on the grounds. The site, nicknamed ‘Rochdale’s Chernobyl’ due to the toxic nature of the materials that used to be produced there, is off-limits to the public. Landowners say they have installed more security measures to prevent further break-ins.
Spodden Park Ltd added: “Whilst the investigation areas will be secured, the site remains private land and unauthorised access is not permitted. This includes informal recreation activities such as dog walking.”
“With heavy machinery and specialist contractors operating on site, trespassing may endanger those undertaking the works, as well as members of the public. Any unauthorised access may be reported to the police by site staff. The measures being implemented are to protect site staff and local residents, and for the site to remain safe throughout the duration of these works.”
Redevelopment history
Spodden Park intends to remediate the area off Spod Road in order to redevelop it. Although its future vision has not been revealed, it is understood there is an ambition to build housing and create a park in some capacity. The landowner has outlined that the number of houses planned would be far fewer than the 650 previously touted in the 2000s.
There have been long periods of uncertainty surrounding the redevelopment. Plans to build 650 homes, a children’s daycare centre and a business park were tabled in 2004, but those proposals were thrown out by Rochdale council in 2011. The next hope of development came through ESG in 2021, which ended in disappointment after planning permission was refused when MMC Estates failed to carry out a £500,000 investigation into contamination on the site.
Now Spodden Park is next in line to put forward its vision, but the company has remained tight-lipped on those plans.
