Video | Four 117m cooling towers demolished

Colin Macpherson, divisional CEO for Engie UK & Ireland, said: “The next ten years are crucial to address the climate crisis – and in the same timescale this regeneration project will become a reference of sustainable living fit for the UK’s net zero future. The local people have been at the heart of every decision, concept and planning application, with our teams determined to deliver something special for the people of Rugeley – that will inject new life, jobs, homes and education into the community.

“This is a really meaningful example of building back greener and better in the wake of the covid pandemic and we are lucky to have had the backing and support of Cannock Chase District Council, Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire County Council, and local members of Parliament to bring this to fruition. We hope this regeneration will become a blueprint for other former carbon intensive industrial centres in the UK to create positive outcomes for their communities compatible with a net zero future.”