Former Pilgrim's UK Food Factory in Dukinfield Approved for Demolition
A significant food factory in Dukinfield is scheduled for demolition, three years after it ceased operations. Pilgrim's UK, a major pork provider in Britain, closed its Bow Street site in 2023, leading to the loss of hundreds of jobs. Now, Tameside Council has granted approval for the demolition of the vacant factory, located on the border of Dukinfield and Ashton-under-Lyne.
Demolition Timeline and Details
Demolition work is set to commence on March 31, 2026, and is expected to take approximately 14 weeks to complete. All warehouse buildings within the site boundary will be razed as part of this scheme. The application was submitted by OREP Fund Propco 1 Limited, which plans to follow up with a full planning application for new industrial or warehouse buildings in the coming months.
Planning documents state: "We write on behalf of our client, OREP Fund Propco 1 Limited, to submit information for a prior approval application for the demolition of the existing buildings and structures on the Former Pilgrim's UK premises, Bow Street, Ashton-under-Lyne. It is proposed that the existing buildings and structures on the site would be demolished starting on March 31, 2026 with a full planning application to redevelop the site for new industrial / warehouse buildings to follow."
Community Impact and Historical Context
The closure of the Pilgrim's UK factory in 2023 sparked significant local uproar, as it put 542 jobs at risk. Residents, councillors, and Ashton MP Angela Rayner expressed shock at what seemed like a sudden decision. In a 2023 statement, Rachel Baldwin, Vice President of Human Resources at Pilgrim's UK, explained: "The decision to propose the closure of our Ashton site has not been taken lightly and we have made every effort to explore alternative options. A key part of our work to return to growth includes ensuring we fully optimise our operational footprint and the age and location of Ashton within a densely populated area means that there is no feasible opportunity to modernise or grow the site. As a result, these proposals are unfortunately essential to ensure a sustainable future for our team members across the UK."
The demolition marks a pivotal step in redeveloping the industrial site, with hopes for new economic opportunities in the area. The redevelopment is anticipated to transform the vacant lot into a modern warehouse facility, potentially boosting local business and employment prospects.
