Minister seals £158m investment Cheshire deal
THE Minister for Science and Universities, Science and Cities, Greg Clark, has formally signed a deal that will bring £158m of investment to Cheshire and Warrington, creating up to 12,000 jobs and 5,000 new homes.
The deal will support world-class scientific research and innovation across Cheshire and Warrington as well as providing significantly improved transport infrastructure.
Local MPs and businesses joined the Local Enterprise Partnership Board to take part in the signing ceremony at Thornton Science Park, in Ince, Ellesmere Port.
The research facility on the former Shell site will be one of the beneficiaries of the deal, receiving £ 6.8m of investment for an Energy Demonstrator as well as a share of £31m announced in the Autumn Statement for an Energy Security and Innovation Observing System.
The deal will support a range of projects including a new public services hub in the Ellesmere Port Central Development Zone and the relocation of Chester Bus Interchange which, when completed, will unlock the wider £300m Northgate development in Chester.
Infrastructure improvements will be made in Crewe to support Crewe High Growth City, including the construction of the Congleton by-pass and the Poynton relief road to open up new commercial and residential development sites, and the anticipated construction of a high level bridge crossing the Manchester Ship Canal from the A56 Chester Road which will support Atlantic Gateway, providing considerable traffic relief immediately south of Warrington town centre.
Clark said: “This is a historic day for the local economy. The Cheshire and Warrington Growth Deal is a vital part of the Government’s long-term economic plan for this area – putting real power in the hands of local councils and businesses to drive growth and job creation for years into the future.
“The economic potential in Cheshire and Warrington is among the most exciting and vibrant in the country. The projects to invest in the science corridor, improve local transport infrastructure and boost skills in engineering will ensure that potential is met.”
LEP Chair, Christine Gaskell said: “Our £158m Growth Deal with the support of our partners will help us to deliver new jobs, housing and infrastructure we need to transform the economy of Cheshire and Warrington, cementing this area’s integral role in the continuing development of the Northern Powerhouse.
