Clean-up confirmed for derelict Rochdale asbestos factory site

A major step towards redeveloping the former Turner Brothers asbestos factory in Rochdale has been announced, with landowners confirming the appointment of a remediation contractor to clean up the derelict site.

Spodden Park Ltd, who acquired the 75-acre site in the Spotland area earlier this year, stated they have signed an agreement with specialists to safely prepare the land for future use.

The site, once the world’s largest asbestos manufacturing facility, has sat empty since the 1990s. Due to its severe deterioration and hazardous nature, it has earned the local nickname of 'Rochdale's Chernobyl'.

• Previous plans to build 650 homes on the site were rejected by Rochdale Council in 2011.

• A subsequent attempt by ESG Trading Limited in 2021 failed after developers did not complete a £500,000 contamination investigation.

• Current proposals are expected to include a mix of housing and public parkland, though Spodden Park Ltd has indicated the housing density will be significantly lower than earlier schemes.

In a recent update, the developers noted that engaging a remediation partner marks a crucial milestone. They also confirmed that contractors will clear overgrown vegetation and dead trees along Rooley Moor Road in October to improve safety for pedestrians and highway users.

Security remains a significant concern at the site. According to the landowners, trespassers frequently breach the perimeter, with intrusions reportedly increasing by 25 per cent during school holidays.

Spodden Park Ltd has repeatedly warned the public against entering the grounds, citing the severe risk of building collapse and exposure to carcinogenic asbestos fibres, which can cause long-term respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma.