History of Nuclear at Birchwood Park

The story of Birchwood Park’s nuclear cluster begins decades ago, beginning a rich history of innovation and leadership on our site in Birchwood, Warrington.

Over the years, our occupiers have established Birchwood park as a cornerstone for nuclear research and development, pioneering breakthroughs and the relentless pursuit of more sustainable nuclear technology. This foundational excellence has not only shaped our Park, but also set industry standards nationwide, fostering a community of experts dedicated to advancing nuclear science.

Past

The story of Birchwood Park’s nuclear cluster began decades ago, kick-starting a rich history of innovation and leadership on our site in Birchwood, Warrington.

Over the years, our occupiers have established Birchwood Park as a cornerstone for nuclear research and development, pioneering breakthroughs in the relentless pursuit of more sustainable nuclear technology. This foundational excellence has not only shaped our Park, but also set industry standards nationwide, fostering a community of experts dedicated to advancing nuclear science.

Pre-1900s

The area now known as Birchwood was previously named Risley Moss, a large area of mossland upon which a small railway was constructed to take peat out of the moss to be used as fuel.
1930s - 1940s

A Royal Ordnance (Filling) Factory (ROF) was constructed for the production and storage of munitions in the North West corner of Risley Moss, covering most of the area now known as Birchwood. The large facility was linked to the main railway line (Manchester to Liverpool) and to the South. Employing as many as 30,000 people, Risley ROF produced over 1 Million mines and 500,000 high-explosive bombs throughout WW2. In 1946, the government announced its decision to set up an atomic energy organisation, as part of the Ministry of Supply (MoS) - ROF Risley was selected as HQ for development of the Division of ATomic ENergy (DATEN).
1950s

UK government transformed the future Birchwood Park site into the HQ of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), taking over the atomic energy functions of DATEN. A centre for nuclear research and development was soon established. In 1956, the first nuclear power station generating commercial electricity for the national grid (Reactor 1) - designed by Risley-based Engineers - was opened by the Queen at Calder Hall.
1960s – 1970s

Through a period of rapid expansion, the UKAEA became a major player in the region, with a workforce of 4,500 by 1970. Many new buildings were constructed to support and house additional staff. In 1968, Warrington New Town purchased the remainder of ROF Risley (not used by UKAEA) in order to begin the development of housing, shops, employment areas and a new railway station. This would become Birchwood.
1980s – 1990s

With a solid foundation established, nuclear activity expanded into nuclear waste management, decommissioning and commercial applications. Now considered a leading nuclear research and development hub, the site officially became known as Birchwood Park in 1998.
2000s

Northern Nuclear Alliance (NNA) uses its Birchwood Park base to promote the region as a centre of excellence for nuclear energy, while National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) takes more than 17.000 sq ft of our flagship office building, Chadwick House.
2010s - 2020s

Leading nuclear services company, Cavendish Nuclear, let over 47,000 sq ft due to the Park’s status as a world-class cluster for nuclear services. Global engineering and technology company (and Birchwood Park’s largest occupier), Jacobs, joins the Northern Nuclear Alliance. Some of the world’s most prominent global nuclear companies, including Rolls Royce and Nuvia, are now based at the Park.

Nuclear Benefits for Birchwood Park Occupiers

Location

Warrington is the perfect location for regional business space - smack bang in the centre of the North West (M6/M62).
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Flexibility

With flexible contracts, your space can be tailored to adapt, upscale or downsize with the needs of your business.
Prosperity

We help to facilitate a positive environment and culture that boosts employee wellbeing, productivity and retention.
Sustainability

We work with our occupants to drive sustainable activities, reducing our impact and becoming net zero together.
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Parklife

We’ve fine-tuned a vibrant community experience packed with fantastic amenities, exclusive events, activities and offers.
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Security

24/7 Security Team and wide CCTV coverage, you can be assured that your business assets are secure.

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History of Nuclear at Birchwood Park

Past

Pre-1900s

1930s - 1940s

1950s

1960s – 1970s

1980s – 1990s

2000s

2010s - 2020s

Nuclear Benefits for Birchwood Park Occupiers

Location

Flexibility

Prosperity

Sustainability

Parklife

Security

Additional Support For Nuclear Businesses

Upcoming Nuclear Events

Engineering & Technology Solutions Exhibition 2025

Present

Future

Nuclear News From The Park