A DEVELOPER has been appointed by Halton Council to deliver a major regeneration project in Runcorn which it is hoped will attract new jobs to the area.

Langtree will deliver the regeneration of a 21-acre plot in the Astmoor industrial site, with four development plots capable of delivering around 185,000 square feet of new industrial space. The scheme will use land which was set aside to support the construction of the new Mersey Gatreay crossing.

The project will take place over a number of phases, with work due to begin in the second half of next year.
Cllr Dave Thompson, Halton Borough Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration and major projects, said: “It’s vitally important that we ensure that our economy remains competitive and able to attract and support businesses.

“Providing a varied, high quality property offer is key to this and we will continue to drive investment in the borough through the strategic use of our land assets.”

He added: “The council has always been clear that the Mersey Gateway would provide a boost for inward investment into Halton. The masterplan allows us to explore the means to bring new employment opportunities and this will help give Astmoor a major boost."

Langtree managing director John Downes said that the aim was to build on the borough’s blend of SMEs and inward investment through the correct mix of unit sizes and types, with the Astmoor site now seeing significant new investment due to its strategic location next to the new bridge.

He said: “The council is determined to maximise the economic outputs generated by the Mersey Gateway for the benefit of its residents.

“The borough already has a robust SME sector underpinned by a whole raft of blue-chip industrial PLCs that engage with the local supply chain.

Our partnership with the council is targeted at providing new, well-designed and well-managed products that will add to the existing industrial offer. The scheme will deliver more choice and quality to the market, whilst ensuring wherever possible that the main economic and social impacts are felt locally,”

Work is now underway to appoint the design and planning team for the project.