WARRINGTON’S economic future took centre stage at a major property and infrastructure event held at the Park Royal Hotel, where over 200 business leaders and policymakers attended the 28th annual Property Review.
Speaking on behalf of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Chief Executive Henri Munson outlined how long-awaited rail improvements could reshape Warrington’s role within the North of England. He emphasised that the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail would significantly enhance east–west connectivity, linking Warrington more effectively with major cities including Leeds and Sheffield.
Host Jim Hancock
The plans include a new rail line passing through Manchester Airport and connecting to Warrington, with services expected to begin development in the 2030s. Crucially, Newman stressed that the benefits go beyond faster journeys. “It’s about frequency and reliability,” he explained, noting that regular, turn-up-and-go services would fundamentally change commuting patterns and perceptions of distance.
A key feature under discussion is a new underground station in Manchester, enabling through-services across the Pennines without the need for trains to terminate and reverse. For Warrington, this would mean seamless connections across the North, effectively expanding its labour market and making the town more attractive to both businesses and residents.
Newman argued that improved connectivity would allow Warrington to “have the best of both worlds” — maintaining its identity as a thriving town while gaining access to the economic opportunities of larger neighbouring cities. He dismissed concerns that major cities drain prosperity from surrounding areas, instead pointing to Warrington as evidence that proximity to Manchester and Liverpool has historically driven growth.
Local leaders also highlighted how the rail project could unlock significant housing and regeneration opportunities, particularly around new and existing stations. By focusing development in well-connected areas, planners could avoid the infrastructure pressures that have challenged previous housing proposals.
Early modelling suggests the potential for around 10,000 new jobs, 4,500 new homes, and substantial commercial development centred on a new east–west station at Warrington Bank Quay. Improved journey times — including as little as 15 minutes to Manchester and under 20 minutes to Liverpool — would place Warrington firmly at the heart of a “Northern Growth Corridor.”
More than 200 business leaders attended the event
Alongside infrastructure ambitions, the event also showcased Warrington’s strong economic fundamentals. A detailed property market review presented by BE Group revealed that the town has experienced one of the fastest growth rates in the UK over the past decade. Between 2013 and 2023, economic output rose by 41%, while employment increased by 23%.
Warrington now boasts the highest disposable income levels in Northern England and has seen significant expansion in knowledge-intensive sectors. Around 20% of businesses operate in professional, scientific, or technical fields, while the town has doubled employment in knowledge-based services since 2015.
The property sector remains a key driver of this growth. Industrial and logistics markets continue to perform strongly, with major investments and rising rental values. However, a shortage of high-quality office space was identified as a potential constraint, with limited new development in recent years.
Retail and leisure activity has also rebounded, with increased investment in town centre destinations and a growing visitor economy. Meanwhile, residential demand remains robust, with average house prices exceeding £275,000 compared to the national average of £270,000 and ongoing large-scale housing developments across the borough.
Despite these positive indicators, speakers stressed that infrastructure investment must be matched with coordinated policy on skills, innovation, and decarbonisation to fully realise the region’s potential.
The Property review event, hosted by former Northern news correspondent Jim Hancock, concluded with a clear message: Warrington is already a standout economic performer, but projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail could elevate it further — transforming the town into a central hub within a more connected and prosperous Northern economy.
The event, hosted by Warrington & Co and Warrington Chamber Plus. Since its inception, the report has been independently compiled by Warrington-based commercial property consultants, BE Group, providing a definitive health check on the borough’s economic activity and future growth prospects.
The 2026 Review highlights a year of continued growth. While many regions face economic headwinds, Warrington continues to perform at a high level, bolstered by over £150 million of investment flowing into the town over the last year.
Key findings from the report include:
• Top-tier growth: The Cities Outlook report 2026 ranks Warrington among the UK’s best for growth in living standards, a result of high-value job creation and robust economic foundations.
• Business boom: Prosperity is underpinned by a healthy increase in new businesses choosing Warrington, alongside consistently low unemployment rates.
• Thriving high streets: Warrington’s high street is performing well, with new shops, independent cafes, and vibrant restaurants springing up across the borough.
• Major developments: Significant progress has been made on the expansion of Omega South, while future-facing schemes like the Fiddlers Ferry regeneration are set to transform industrial landmarks into sustainable communities.
• Innovation and culture: Using government Town Deal funding, Warrington is investing heavily in its digital and cultural identity. The Causeway at St James Business Centre is already a hive of innovation, while the transformation of the Pyramid theatre into a premier cultural hub is on track for completion later this year.
• A better-connected Warrington: Warrington is set to be a key transport hub after the government confirmed its commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). The planned low-level station at Warrington Bank Quay will act as a vital link between Liverpool and Manchester, unlocking thousands of jobs and positioning the town at the heart of one of the North’s most significant infrastructure projects in a century.
Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “While the national conversation has often been dominated by stories of slow growth and economic stagnation, Warrington has consistently bucked the trend. Our continued success is the result of strong partnership work between our business sector, our residents, the council, and our local and regional partners. It’s helping us build a town that is resilient, innovative, and ambitious.”
Stephen Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Warrington Chamber and Warrington & Co board member, added: “It was great to have the opportunity to once again bring businesses together to share our success, provide a valuable insight into all of the progress being made within our property development and investment market and look ahead to the future.”
This year’s event was sponsored by:
• Bell, Lamb & Joynson Solicitors
• Cactus Clothing
• Orbit Developments
• Pin Property
• Panattoni
• Warrington’s Own Buses
