New investment opportunities as motorway improvements get green light

WARRINGTON Council’s decision to approve infrastructure works at Junction 8 of the M62 motorway, priming new development opportunities, has been backed by Joint Venture company Lingley Mere Business Park.
In line with its commitment to encourage economic investment and support sustainable travel in Warrington, the Lingley Mere Development Company – a joint venture between Muse Developments and United Utilities (UU) – has praised plans to reduce pressure on local roads by improving motorway accessibility south of the M62.
The news coincides with Warrington Borough Council’s approval of a £7.5 million loan to Omega Warrington Ltd to fund new road and infrastructure works on the Omega South site.
Wes Erlam, senior development surveyor at Muse Developments, said: “Improved connectivity – delivered through the Junction 8 and link road infrastructure works – will open up new doors for the region and Lingley Mere is perfectly positioned to embrace the opportunities that will undoubtedly come from these transport developments.
“Located only minutes away from Junction 8, we are already working closely with the Council to support economic growth in Warrington, while helping to deliver sustainable travel options for businesses and commuters. Combined with greater accessibility, Lingley Mere has the infrastructure in place to meet a wide range of design and build office requirements – both quickly and effectively.”
Approved by the council in May, the infrastructure project would link the nearby intersection of Orion Boulevard and Omega Boulevard to Junction 8 of the M62, minimising the impact of HGV and private vehicle traffic on local roads. Official assessments predict that the 10 metre wide carriageway will reduce congestion on Burtonwood Road and Lingley Green Avenue by roughly 300 cars per hour during peak travel times.
Councillor Terry O’Neill, leader, Warrington Borough Council, said: “We are a forward-thinking local authority and realise that improvements to the infrastructure around Junction 8 of the M62 are essential in order to facilitate and ease business and domestic traffic.
“It is great to have the support of Lingley Mere Business Park in our ambition. Warrington is booming economically and we have in place a framework – Warrington Means Business – to continue to grow the local economy by protecting and encouraging both business and jobs growth.”
Additionally, the development plans include landscaping features along the approved access road to manage surface water run-off and help protect wildlife habitats in the area.
Robin Uttley, Head of Commercial Property at United Utilities, said: “Our backing of the Warrington Borough Council plans demonstrates our commitment to the region’s economic future. Balanced development plans that take the needs of commuters, residents, businesses and the local environment into consideration are key to Warrington’s continued success as a centre of growth in the North West.”