New bid to boost Omega project

WARRINGTON’S sleeping giant – the sprawling, 550-acre Omega development site – has been put forward for enterprise zone status.
If successful, the designation would mean the site would win a package of government incentives designed to stimulate economic growth.
The bid has been put forward by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership – the new organisation created to take over some of the functions of the North West Development Agency.
Last year, the government outlined plans to create 21 new enterprise zones across the country.
These zones would benefit from simplified planning rules, priority super-fast broadband access and tax breaks for businesses choosing to locate there.
The first four sites were confirmed earlier this year in Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester and London and applications are now open for the next round.
Omega is in the north of Warrington and has huge potential for growth and diverse job creation.
But it has lain unused for years because of insufficient interest from developers.
A spokesperson for the LEP said: “A number of sites and opportunities across Cheshire and Warrington were carefully considered and Omega was put forward as the single preferred site for the region.
“We feel that our bid measures up well against the criteria the government will consider but we must exercise a note of caution as it will be up against stiff competition.”
A decision on the application is expected before the end of the summer.
Omega is a joint venture between Miller Developments and a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Scotland, in conjunction with the Homes and Community Agency.
Last month, planning chiefs at Warrington approved amendments to planning conditions attached to Omega – also designed to improve the economic attractiveness of the site.
Pictured: an artist’s impression of the Omega development.