International Process Plants (IPP), based in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, has announced the completion of its redevelopment project at the historic Croda/Price’s Patent Candles site in Bromborough, England. The transformation of the 30-acre brownfield site, which dates back to 1853, marks the end of more than ten years of work to create a mixed-use community with housing, employment opportunities, green spaces and infrastructure improvements.
The company received an industry award for planning and placemaking on a brownfield site. Before new construction began, IPP undertook extensive site work and coordinated with local authorities to ensure all preconstruction requirements were met.
Homebuilder Persimmon is now constructing the final phase of 116 homes along the riverfront. Once completed, this will bring the total number of residences in the community to 315. Of these homes, 20% are designated as affordable housing. The development also includes public open space, a play area and a new riverside walkway.
“Converting this candle and oleochemical manufacturing site was one of the most complex brownfield redevelopment projects ever done in the United Kingdom, and IPP proved once again that we can deliver results where others see only obstacles,” said Ron Gale, President of IPP. “We acquired the site, handled the environmental remediation, redeployed the plant assets worldwide and worked with partners to restore it as not just another warehouse or residential development, but a vibrant integrated community.”
IPP acquired the property in 2009 after its closure resulted in 115 job losses. The redevelopment project has since generated an estimated 1,890 construction and remediation jobs as well as about 150 long-term positions. Work on-site included environmental cleanup and new infrastructure alongside housing and manufacturing facilities that have contributed to renewed employment in the area.
The company reports that local labor was used wherever possible during redevelopment efforts.
“Our success in Bromborough demonstrates what sets IPP apart. We don’t just sell plants and equipment; we deliver complete solutions,” said Jan Gale, Executive Vice President of IPP. “By combining our expertise in asset resale with our commitment to environmental stewardship and community regeneration, we turned a 19th-century closed factory, along with its environmental problems, into a 21st-century multi-use neighborhood.”
Among other features of this redevelopment: Persimmon Homes and IPP have constructed an entire neighborhood totaling 315 residences; rerouted part of the River Dibbin while creating tidal wetland habitat for flood risk reduction; restored a clock tower building over a century old for use as supported living apartments; built roadways connecting to Wirral International Business Park; created public access along a riverside walk and bike path; sold much process equipment for reuse across Europe and North America rather than scrapping it.
The project earned national recognition for placemaking on brownfield land due to its contributions toward regeneration and sustainable development. Architectural design was handled by Ainsley Gommon Architects who sought inspiration from original garden village concepts intended for factory workers more than a century ago.
Additional commercial activity at the site includes companies such as Capital Reinforcing (a structural-steel specialist) and Lexicraft Limited (manufacturers of identification products). The historic headquarters building has been restored by Wirral Methodist Housing Association for use as sheltered accommodations primarily serving older adults or people with special needs who wish to live independently but require support if needed.
“This achievement showcases IPP’s unmatched ability to take on projects of global scale and complexity, and transform entire communities,” Ron Gale said.
International Process Plants operates globally within industries including chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and more across multiple continents through ownership or management of plant sites as well as inventorying over 15,000 pieces of equipment.
