Widnes £15m retail park set to create 220 jobs (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Retail park set to regenerate former transport depot

7:20am Saturday 11th February 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

A NEW £15 million retail park in Widnes is set to create 220 jobs and 12 stores.

Developers Vector Investments Limited hope to bring shops to the former P&O brownfield site in Tanhouse Lane, Widnes The plans are recommended for approval by Halton Council’s development control committee on Monday.

Names of the major retailers expected to occupy the units have not yet been confirmed but could include stores like Comet, Currys, Dunelm Mill and Matalan.

Graham Corser, director of Istitmar P&O Estates, which owns Vector, said: “The positive response from the local community has been fantastic.

“People here want to see new retailers and welcome the jobs our proposals will create.

“They, like us, believe our proposals will benefit the town greatly and are a sign of the growing confidence in the regeneration of Widnes.

“I am pleased that planning officers recognise the economic and regeneration benefits.”

The15,445 sq metre site is on eastern edge of the town centre beside Watkinson Way.

The plans include providing a new pavement linking the southern end to the pedestrian crossing at the gyratory leading to Widnes Market.

Another retail development beside the new Tesco Extra store in Victoria Street, Widnes, is also expected to get the green light next week.

Frank Armitt & Son Limited and developers Morbaine Limited hope to create non-food retail units, once existing buildings on the 0.82 hectare site are demolished.

The proposed floorspace is 2,878 sq metres, which would be contained within a single building possibly sub-divided into smaller units.