Risley / Birchwood Park

A BUSINESS park is celebrating 80 years at the heart of the UK’s nuclear

industry. Birchwood Park, formerly Risley, began its nuclear journey
following a landmark meeting on February 4, 1946, which launched the UK’s
atomic energy programme. The meeting, held in a disused canteen and led by
Sir Christopher Hinton, later Lord Hinton, brought together a 12-strong
team to design, coordinate and deliver the country’s first atomic energy
efforts. Martin O’Rourke, commercial director at Birchwood Park, said:
“This anniversary is a reminder that Birchwood Park has never been a
peripheral site in the UK’s nuclear story – it has been central to it
for eight decades. “For many people, that story is personal – with second
and third generations of families building their careers here. “As the
sector looks ahead, that continuity of skills and experience remains just
as important as the innovation shaping the future. From that first meeting,
Risley became the design authority for the UK’s nuclear infrastructure,
evolving into what is now Birchwood Park. Over the decades, teams at the
site have driven the development of major nuclear sites, including
Sellafield, Springfields and Capenhurst. Today, Birchwood Park remains a
key part of the sector, hosting more than 6,000 nuclear specialists from
over 30 organisations. It supports the entire nuclear lifecycle, from
research and design to decommissioning and waste management.

 Warrington Guardian 8th Feb 2026 

 https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/25830106.birchwood-park-celebrates-80-years-uks-nuclear-industry/