WARRINGTON’S prestigious Omega business site is being eyed up as a possible site for a Titan “super prison” for up to 2,500 inmates.
But Warrington Borough Council has “major concerns” about any plan.
With the “credit crunch” affecting the commercial property market the sites landowners are now looking at alternative uses for the land which was once part of the former US Army airbase at Burtonwood.
The Government is considering building three supersized prisons across the country to tackle overcrowding in jails and have earmarked the north west as a possible site.
The Ministry of Justice is believed to be looking into buying a plot of land on the 550 acre business park site, now owned by Miller Properties.
A spokesman for Warrington Borough Council said: “In the course of our discussions with English Partnerships, Miller Homes and the North West Development Agency about the development of Omega, it was put to us that Omega was being considered as one possible location for a Titan prison.
“We would have very real concerns about such a proposal and would need to know a lot more. As far as Warrington council is aware, Omega is progressing and there is a lot of interest in the site from a whole range of commercial, industrial and business developers.
“We are working closely with our partners in this scheme to re-evaluate the uses on phase two of Omega in the light of the current economic climate but remain committed to securing the future of the Omega development and ensuring that Warrington is well placed to make the most of this site of regional significance.”
Work was due to start on Omega last year but in reality little work has taken place following the downturn in the economy with little prospects of improvement in the future.
Omega has already withdrawn from its shirt sponsorship with the town’s Super League Club, Warrington Wolves, as a cost cutting measure.
The number of prisoners in England and Wales is set to increase from 81,000 to 96,000 by 2014.
A Titan super prison would cater for 2,100 in mates with “planned” over crowding to hold up to 2,500.
WARRINGTON'S prestigious Omega business site is being eyed up as a possible site for a Titan "super prison" for up to 2,500 inmates.
Super prison planned for Omega
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
