Tanhouse Yard scheme gets green light

PLANS for a new £15m, 8-acre retail park on the edge of Widnes town centre were approved by Halton Borough Council last night.

The retail park, which could be open next year, will be built at Tanhouse Yard – a site that runs alongside Watkinson Way and is opposite the town’s Morrison’s supermarket.

Once complete, the retail park will contain around  166,250 sq ft of gross floor space and 469 car parking spaces.

The park is being developed by Istithmar P&O Estates, which is part of Dubai-based Istithmar World.

Its director, Graham Corser, said: “I am absolutely delighted that councillors have backed our plans and the 220 new jobs that the retail park will create.

“A new retail park at Tanhouse Yard will encourage more people to shop locally, travel less distance by car, and through linked trips benefit Widnes town centre itself.

“The positive response we have had from both the council and local people demonstrates the desire for new retailers in the town.”