Renewable energy park plan for Blackburn (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Renewable energy park plan for Blackburn
3:00pm Saturday 31st December 2011 in News
A RENEWABLE energy park could be created on the site of a former paper mill after a global asset management and advisory firm acquired the land.
Black Pearl Capital Partners (BPCP) said the proposed facility on the former Sappi paper mill site, Feniscowles, Blackburn, would create a ‘large number’ of jobs locally.
The 118-acre site has not been used since manufacturing ceased at the mill in 2008, with the loss of around 120 jobs.
Coun Alan Cottam, who represents the area, welcomed the acquisition but said he feared the forthcoming plans would most likely draw objections from residents.
The site includes the old Sappi paper mill, formerly known as Star Paper Mill, as well as the long-derelict Sun Paper Mill and a power station.
Reza Irani-Kermani, Chief Executive of BPCP, which is registered in both the Cayman Islands and Switzerland, said the firm had acquired the site alongside Aeternum Capital, its co-investor and asset manager.
Proposals could include new homes as well as a renewable power generation facility.
Mr Irani-Kermani said: "We are excited about adding another renewable energy park to our portfolio.
"The site in Blackburn is our third large brownfield site in the UK, and it has the potential to provide a large number of local jobs once we've developed it for reuse."
It is thought the renewable energy park would be similar to one the firm operates in Castleford, Yorkshire, focusing on biomass power, water treatment and bio-fuels production.
However, the exact nature of the work that will take place at the plant is not yet known.
Coun Cottam said: “From what I gather, they make energy out of waste. They seem to be a company with strong forward thinking ideas, but they do not have many references.
“If it creates local jobs it will be a good thing, but I do not know exactly what their intentions are yet.
“They seem to have a lot of different options, so I will have to wait until the plans are submitted.
“Obviously the regular things would be objections to noise, smells and traffic, but if it creates jobs - super.”
Comments(4)
Suffolk n Watt
says...
7:51pm Sat 31 Dec 11
Traffic congestion and schooling never seem to come into the equation.
For every 10 houses that developers build they should be charged for at least one nurse,one doctor and 4 support staff otherwise Blackburn heath services will be so stretched that,The developers will be puttting on Blackburn Council.
Ps theres a lot more services that you would have to have to balance everything out.I.E Police ,wardens,and cleaners.
not too old to care
says...
3:18am Sun 1 Jan 12
barryinthailand
says...
1:14pm Sun 1 Jan 12
Suffolk n Watt wrote:I think its called council tax, might have changed its name again but it should pay for all of the above.
If they propose a new development with 80 families moving in,we then needto provide three more murses,three more police officers and three council members who can keeptrack of budget. Its an absolute joke. We keep wanting to builld more housing but we don't seem to want to employ the services that will keep us in balance with the population increase. Absolute joke,anyone wanting to develop a site has to take into consideration that more community services will have to be given.
Traffic congestion and schooling never seem to come into the equation.
For every 10 houses that developers build they should be charged for at least one nurse,one doctor and 4 support staff otherwise Blackburn heath services will be so stretched that,The developers will be puttting on Blackburn Council.
Ps theres a lot more services that you would have to have to balance everything out.I.E Police ,wardens,and cleaners.
whirlingdervish says...
5:07pm Sat 31 Dec 11