Halton Borough Council’s lead on Environmental Sustainability has welcomed news that a tender has now been issued for the expansion of the existing solar farm on the site of the former St Michael’s golf course.
The project followed a feasibility study commissioned in early 2020 to expand the existing solar farm that already operates on the site.
Cllr Phil Harris said: “This is good news and means the Council is closer to delivering reduced energy bills for some of its major facilities in the future once it’s up and running.
“This facility will pay for itself and remain owned by the Council, providing clean energy for decades to come.’’
The plans to build a new solar farm the size of 15 football pitches on the site of a former contaminated golf course were backed by councillors at January’s planning committee.
The new 27-acre (11-hectare) complex, north of Ditton Road and south of Speke Road, will more than quadruple the capacity of an adjacent solar farm which opened in 2020.
Highfield Ward Councillor, Cllr Bob Gilligan has also welcomed the news saying: “I’m delighted to see this project take another step forward to fruition and seeing this brownfield site being put back into productive use.’’
The construction of a ‘solar microgrid’ with more than 7,200 solar panels will generate another 3.62 megawatts of electricity to the existing 1.2 megawatts on the existing solar farm, along with a battery storage system.
The power will be used to help power public buildings including the Council’s Municipal Building headquarters, Lower House Lane depot, DCBL Stadium and the new leisure centre on Moor Lane.
It is understood a number of companies have expressed an interest in tendering for the contract. The estimated decision date is late spring, 2026.
The successful tenderer will operate the site for a minimum period of two years, with options for multiple contract extensions, potentially up to 2057. Extensions will be subject to a review of performance, requirements and agreement on pricing.