Task force's future plans (From Gazette Series)

Task force's future plans

A BUSINESS park with specific expertise in the energy industry could shape the future for Berkeley's nuclear site.

The recommendation was made at the final meeting of the Berkeley Task Force on July 1 at Oldbury Training Centre, which was set up in September 2004 to look at future uses of the site once decommissioning has finished.

The detailed report on the recommendation will now be submitted to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), who own the site, and the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII).

Additional options such as environmental landscaping and scope for renewable energy on part of the site being have been left open for future discussion.

Through a consultation process local people were asked for their ideas, which were tested against criteria designed to select the most commercially viable and socially acceptable option.

Engagement with stakeholders will continue through the newly-formed Berkeley Site Stakeholder Group.

Mark Morant, managing director of British Nuclear Group Reactor Sites said: "The Berkeley Task Force is an excellent benchmark for decommissioning nuclear sites. The success of this project is based on the level of engagement with stakeholders around the site.

"That engagement has helped the task force develop a future for the site that I believe will meet the needs of everyone involved - our customer the NDA, our regulator and the local community."

Task force chairman Bob Clayton said: "I would like to thank all members of the task force for their input and dedication throughout the past ten months. I would also like to thank local people for their contribution.

"However, in reality the job has only just started. There is a relatively short window in which to demonstrate the viability of the business park to the NDA. This now sits with management of the Berkeley Nuclear Licensed Site and I wish them well in this endeavour."

David Drew, MP for Stroud said: "I am pleased to have been part of such an achievement and look forward to witnessing the progression of the Berkeley site over the coming years."