Peel NRE, part of Peel Land, has acquired the 134-acre former CF Fertilisers site in Ince, Cheshire. The former fertiliser manufacturing facility will now enter a new era of redevelopment. Peel NRE’s vision is to transform the site into a hub for decarbonised industrial uses, creating new jobs, investment opportunities and a boost for Cheshire’s low-carbon economy.

The acquisition also enables an expansion of Protos, Peel NRE’s 256-acre clean energy and resource management cluster, which has already attracted £500 million of investment and has the potential to deliver up to £1.5 billion and 1,000 jobs over the next 15 years. Located at the heart of the HyNet industrial decarbonisation cluster, Protos is uniquely positioned to support the UK’s net zero ambitions, including carbon capture and the production of low-carbon hydrogen.

Kieran Tames, Development Director at Peel NRE, said: “This acquisition is a major step in the regeneration of the former CF Fertilisers site and reinforces our long-term commitment to Cheshire West and Chester. The site has the potential to play a key role in the UK’s clean energy transition, building on the success of Protos to create new jobs and drive inward investment in low-carbon industries.

Our focus over the coming months will be on undertaking the demolition of the former manufacturing facility ensuring this is carried out safely. We look forward to working with key stakeholders to bring forward plans that will support both economic growth and the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon future.”

Peel NRE will engage with local stakeholders and the wider business community as it develops plans for the site, ensuring that future uses align with the region’s ambitions for growth, skills and sustainability.