THE long awaited development plans for the £1 billion Omega site at Warrington could be on the brink of a revival.
Talks have been taking place between developers Miller and its business partners for the site, the Royal Bank of Scotland and Warrington council officials mounting speculation that the plan to re-develop the former Burtonwood airbase is back on the agenda.
Controversial plans approved in 2007 after a four year planning battle, would allow 1.5m sq ft of offices on the Omega South site, south of the M62 and another 1.6m sq ft of warehouses on the Omega North site, north
of the motorway.
Proposals for office developments at Omega South have long been regarded as not viable and alternative plans which have caused huge controversy have included a private prison and hospital. There was also talk of the site being used for an incinerator.
The Omega site is a joint venture partnership between Miller, The Royal Bank of Scotland and the government’s Homes and Communities Agency, which owns the site.
There have been concerns raised that Miller wish to develop part of the site with housing, whioch business leaders say are not relevant for the site which has long been heralded as the jewell in Warrington’s business regeneration crown.
Recent set backs include the government’s decision not to designate it as an enetrprise zone which would have led to tax benefits and investment in broadband infrastructure.
Warrington Chamber Chief Colin Daniels (pictured left) has welcomed news that there is growing confidence that the development could soon be revived with steady demand for large warehouses in the north west.
Historically the site has always been popular for storage in the now demolished former air base hangars.
Mr Daniels said: “It is good to hear that talks are now ongoing for some sensible developments in the shape of large warehouses for which there is great demand in the North West.
“Hopefully this can at long last kick start the development of the site.”
But Mr Daniels said he was still concerned that the south of the site could be earmarked for housing which he did not feel was relevant to the overall project.
Pictures show artists impressions of proposed developments at Omega.
