Strong growth showcased at Warrington Annual Property Review

CONTINUING strong growth, evolution, economic resilience, and confidence for the future was showcased to more than 200 business leaders at the annual Warrington Property Review.

The launch of Warrington & Co’s Annual Property Review 2024, took place at the Park Royal Hotel, today, looking back on 12 months of achievement within the town’s commercial property market.

Now celebrating its 26th year of publication, the report looks at the economic activity of Warrington’s property and development sector over the previous year and prospects for future growth.

Jim Hancock

Attended by more than 200 people, and hosted by political journlaist Jim Hancock, the event provided an in-depth analysis of the local property development and investment market, with statistics and reports independently compiled by Warrington-based commercial property agents, BE Group, who have authored the report since its inception. Additional contributions were made by Cushman & Wakefield on national trends, with Warrington & Co highlighting future regeneration opportunities.

This year’s Review once again demonstrates – in the face of significant economic challenges nationally – that Warrington is continuing to perform strongly, with a robust investment landscape, which is helping attract new businesses and strengthen the town’s office, industrial and retail sectors.

It has resulted in the Centre for Cities once more identifying Warrington as a leading UK location for economic performance, with recognition given to the town’s businesses for leading from the front in new technologies and innovation.

Successes of the past year include:

• Over 21,500 sq m of office floorspace transacted in 2023, comprising 36 deals – the highest in Warrington for five years.

• Major office and industrial deals completed at Birchwood Park, in Woolston, and at Gemini Business Park.

• The ongoing redevelopment of Cockhedge Shopping Centre, which will provide new leisure, food and retail space, along with new housing in the heart of the town.

• The success of boutique retail centre, The Hive, WA1, and the expansion of JunctionNINE Retail Park on Winwick Road.

• The opening of Warrington’s new, Living Well Hub – funded by the government’s Town Deal – in the town centre, which is one of the first of its kind in the country, providing a health and wellbeing ‘one-stop shop’ for local people.

Warrington Borough Council Chief Executive and Chair of Warrington & Co, Prof Steven Broomhead MBE, said: “It was really positive to welcome businesses for another successful Annual Property Review launch, once again providing everyone with a valuable insight into our strong, sustainable, economic performance.
“We were able to showcase a local economy which – despite the more downbeat investment picture, nationally – continues to perform well, with a business sector which is robust, innovative, and resilient.
“Warrington remains a very attractive place to do business, thanks to the creative and entrepreneurial spirit and strong partnerships that define our town – with businesses, residents, the council, and a range of other partners all playing a role in driving our positive momentum.
“I’m confident that this momentum will continue into the future, as we work together to deliver on our ambitions to create an environment where all our businesses can thrive.”

The Council’s Director of Growth, Steve Park, who kicked off proceedings with a reflection on the life of former Warrington MP Lord Doug Hoyle (see video below), said: “This year’s Warrington’s Annual Property Review yet again highlights a range of successes which show that our town remains a leader in business, investment, and innovation.
“Our ongoing economic success is something to be proud of, especially in the current national economic climate. Our strong resilience and collaborative approach continue to attract new investment and fuel opportunity.
“This means we continue to outperform many other towns and cities across the country, which can give us great confidence as we work together to meet the challenges of the future and drive forward Warrington’s growth.”
The Warrington Annual Property Review is hosted each year by Warrington & Co – the town’s urban regeneration and inward investment partnership.

This year’s event was sponsored by:
• PATRIZIA
• B-Engineering Group
• KK Thompson Solicitors
• Baker Mallett
• Pin Property
• Together Financial Services Ltd
• BetFred (Birchwood-Offices)
• Omega Warrington Ltd
• Orbit Developments

The full Property Review document is available to download by CLICKING HERE