After languishing as a derelict site for 15 years, a former petrol station on Manchester’s Oldham Road is undergoing a £4 million transformation into a state-of-the-art electric vehicle charging hub. The ambitious regeneration project, spearheaded by Be.EV, aims to create a flagship facility serving Failsworth’s substantial commuter population while simultaneously addressing the environmental legacy of its petroleum past.
The site required extensive decontamination to remove underground storage tanks and remediate contaminated soil, earning it a green certification from Manchester City Council. This environmental restoration represents a fitting metaphor for the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy transportation.
Transforming contaminated petrol stations into clean energy hubs embodies our journey from fossil fuels to sustainable transportation.
At full capacity, the hub will feature 12 ultra-rapid charging bays delivering up to 300kW of power, enabling EV drivers to add 325 miles of range in approximately 20 minutes. Four additional waiting bays will accommodate vehicles queuing during peak periods. The new location designated as the Manchester Charging Oasis will become a critical waypoint for electric vehicle drivers. The entire facility will operate on 100% renewable energy sources, aligning with Manchester’s broader carbon reduction goals.
This isn’t merely a utilitarian charging stop. The development includes a Caffè Nero Express and timber café structure, transforming what could have been a basic forecourt into what industry insiders might call a “charging oasis.” The facilities have been designed with accessibility in mind, with spacious bays accommodating vehicles requiring extra room for loading or unloading.
The economic impact promises to be substantial. With over 26,000 daily commuters passing through Failsworth, the hub is projected to increase local business spending by up to 3% annually. I’ve witnessed similar developments revitalize commercial corridors elsewhere in the UK.
This facility addresses a critical infrastructure gap as Greater Manchester projects over 150,000 EVs on its roads by 2038. The installation includes smart charging technology that optimizes charging schedules and performs load balancing to reduce strain on the local power grid. It also supports the region’s Clean Air Plan, helping reduce the estimated 1,200 annual premature deaths linked to air pollution. As the fourth top-rated EV charging network in the UK, Be.EV continues to expand its footprint across the country with a focus on customer experience.
The Oldham Road hub represents a model for future urban charging infrastructure – blending driver convenience, community amenities, and environmental remediation into a cohesive development that serves both immediate charging needs and broader community interests.
