Rochdale's 'Chernobyl': Warning Over Asbestos Site Trespassing

Parents have been alerted to the serious risks associated with children trespassing on the former Turner Brothers asbestos factory site in Rochdale. This derelict property, infamously nicknamed "Rochdale's Chernobyl," remains a hazardous location due to the presence of asbestos fibres within its decaying structures. The site, now owned by Spodden Park Ltd, has become a frequent target for trespassers, particularly teenagers and urban explorers, with incidents peaking during school holidays.

Spodden Park Ltd has reported a significant rise in trespassing, with over 100 incidents noted in October 2025, and an estimated 30 to 60 breaches occurring monthly. The company is taking measures to enhance security, but trespassers continue to find ways onto the premises. They are urging parents and guardians to educate their children about the dangers of entering abandoned buildings, emphasizing the potential health hazards from asbestos exposure and the risk of structural collapse. Emergency services could face difficulties accessing anyone injured within the site's perimeter.

The redevelopment of the Turner Brothers site has faced prolonged uncertainty. Initial plans in 2004 for extensive housing and facilities were rejected in 2011. More recent attempts in 2021 were stalled due to a lack of a thorough contamination investigation. In addition to trespassing, the site has also been a target for fly-tipping and experienced a fire in a section of its buildings in 2014. Spodden Park is actively working to clean up the site and plans to redevelop it, likely incorporating housing and parkland.