Omega, Warrington
Background
Omega, a 226 ha site straddling the M62, Warrington, is considered to be one of Europe’s most important strategic development sites. The site comprises a large part of the former RAF/USAF Burtonwood Airbase.
On 20 July 2001, English Partnerships announced that Miller Developments and the Royal Bank of Scotland would be the preferred joint venture developers for Omega. A development agreement was subsequently signed in June 2002.
English Partnerships invested £35.2m in the construction of the new Junction 8 on the M62 to provide much needed direct access to the site. The junction was officially opened on 17 December 2002. The junction provides relief to existing road networks, easing congestion for local residents whilst improving infrastructure to allow for business expansion.
Progress on the £1bn Omega development moved forward following Warrington Council’s resolution to grant outline planning permission in October 2006 for the first two phases of development and the decision by Ruth Kelly, the former Secretary of State, in November 2006, not to intervene in the application. Planning permission for phases one and two was granted in June 2007.
Current Status
The whole site will provide 650,000 sq m of offices, manufacturing and distribution space along ancillary leisure/retail facilities, hotel and conference facilities. Around 24,000 jobs are likely to be created over the lifetime of the scheme.
During the plan period we will reclaim 35ha of brownfield land and create 30,000 sq m of employment floor space which should result in 400 additional jobs and lever in £30m of private sector investment.
Next steps
Start on site – early 2008