Langtree JV to regenerate Warrington site

WARRINGTON is close to confirming a joint venture agreement with Langtree to bring forward the development of a large area of land south of the town.

The council and Newton-le-Willows-based Langtree agreed to work together in January on the 12-acre Southern Gateway scheme which will include the approach from Wilderspool Causeway, Chester Road and Knutsford Road.

Now a shadow board has met and the venture is expected to be formalised in the coming weeks. It will involve both parties contributing property assets.

The scheme, which will be given a new name, will provide new homes, offices and shops, alongside Langtree’s refurbished 80,000 sq ft St James’ Business Centre.

There are also plans to create riverside promenades in a number of areas including Wilderspool Causeway, Wharf Industrial Estate and Marshall Gardens.

The development work is being led by the town’s economic development company Warrington & Co which has development agreements with Iliad for the mixed-use Stadium Quarter close to the railway station and with Muse Developments for a retail-led scheme around Bridge Street in the town centre.

Steve Park, Warrington & Co’s managing director, said: “Langtree owns a substantial part of this site and it lends itself to housing and a food retail offer. It has challenges – it has the existing rugby club and infrastructure problems – but it’s probably the most advanced because we have this joint venture with Langtree.”

He added: “Warrington & Co is about unlocking stalled developments and accelerating them. It’s about unlocking those sites that have been stagnant for many years and working out ways we can assist that failed market to bring forward development.”