THE Daresbury Science Park, near Warrington, has been named as one of the North West’s newest Enterprise Zones.
But the borough’s biggest development site, Omega, has missed out.
Applications were initially submitted for two of the major employment sites on the edge of Warrington, Daresbury 
Science Park in the south and Omega in the north, with Daresbury ultimately being successful.
Cllr Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “I am very pleased that Daresbury Science Park is to be designated an Enterprise Zone. It is an essential part of Warrington’s economy and approximately 70 per cent of the site’s employees live within the borough.”
“I am of course disappointed that Omega hasn’t been successful but I’m determined to work with the government and Millers – prospective developers of the site – to vigorously progress the development of this regionally important site.
“But without doubt this is good news as Warrington’s economy has been given a big boost through the success of the Daresbury application.”
The council’s priority is now to work with the government to progress proposals for a Local Development Order. This will simplify planning on the Omega site and develop essential infrastructure, which will give 
Omega many of the benefits of Enterprise Zone status.
Warrington South MP David Mowat welcomed the news about Daresbury and said it was unfortunate that Omega was not also successful.
Enterprise zones are able to benefit from a 100 per cent discount on business rates for five years, radically simplified planning processes and the installation of superfast broadband.
Mr Mowat said: “Having 1,000 new jobs created within easy reach of Warrington is excellent news for the area. Daresbury is already producing world-leading research and technology and this is only going to increase following today’s announcement.
“It’s a shame that Omega has lost out. The Cheshire and Warrington LEP submitted an excellent bid and I wrote to the Minister myself to push the case. However we do have an enterprise zone on our doorstep and I warmly welcome it.”
Pictured: Cllr Terry O’Neill (top) and David Mowat MP.
Science park is new Enterprise Zone
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About Author
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.
