Omega project gets
the green light
by David Skentelbery
THE giant ?1 bn Omega development at Warrington has finally been given the green light by planners.
Warrington Borough Council?s development control committee resolved that it was minded to approve outline proposals for the first two phases of the scheme.
The final decision will depend on the Government, but the committee?s decision clears the way for a start on the development first conceived almost 30 years ago.
Council leader Ian Marks immediately welcomed the decision.
He said: ?This is the right decision and a great opportunity for Warrington. It should become a flagship development.
?Local residents have legitimate concerns about traffic congestion but a number of mitigating factors have been built into the conditions. In fact, it will be in the best interests of the developer to minimise congestion because if they don?t, businesses will not want to locate on the site.
?There are a lot of innovative public transport initiatives in the scheme. It will be a great boost to the local economy and I hope it moves forward as quickly as possible.? The developers are Omega Warrington Ltd, a partnership formed by Miller Developments and the Royal Bank of Scotland, together with national regeneration agency English Partnerships.
The first two phases of the brownfield scheme comprise industrial and distribution space to the north of the site and office accommodation to the south. The south site will also provide complementary, accompanying uses and a hotel. Much of the development will be on the former Burtonwood Airbase, close to Junction 8 on the M62.
Development is expected to start in the spring and take place in phases over 25 years. It will provide space for offices, production, technology and distribution space along with some additional uses such as leisure/retail facilities, hotel and conference facilities.
Omega is expected to directly create 8,000 jobs in the Warrington area over the next 10 years and upon completion of the scheme, could create in the region of 24,000 jobs. About 7,000 indirect jobs will also be created in construction and engineering throughout the development of Omega.
Leisure scheme would
boost theatre proposals
by Mark Hemmings
PLANS for a new riverside leisure complex at Bridge Foot, Warrington would not mean the demolition of the well-established Mr Smith’s Club.
The proposals involve land between the club building and the river – and not the building itself.
Campaigners fighting to restore the club – a former cinema – as a much-needed theatre for Warrington believe the leisure complex plan actually strengthens the case for the theatre.
The new proposals include a restaurant, which would be ideally located for people wanting to combine a meal with a night out at the theatre, they say.
When the building first opened its doors in August 1937, the 1,928-seat cinema was called The Ritz and staged both films and live theatre.
Campaigner Seb Farrell from Penketh said: “Although it’s been over 30 years since any kind of theatrical production was staged there, and obviously the interior has altered, we believe that with the right kind of ownership this landmark building, which gives the town its last chance for a real theatre, could be restored to its former glory.” The club?s future has been in doubt since the death of founder John Smith. It has cut opening hours and is up for sale. Some staff members claim they have been given redundancy notices.
Arts enthusiasts have launched a campaign to save the building and restore for theatre use.
Plans have been drawn up for a riverside leisure complex, complete with restaurant. But the development could be fitted onto the site without demolition of the club building.
Seb concluded: “We are keen to hear from anyone who can share with us their own memories of the Ritz days – be it in stories or photographs.
“Public support is what we need now, and a willingness for people to get their hands dirty if needed. We are holding a public meeting to discuss the next step on Wednesday November 1 at the Workingmen’s Mission on Thewlis Street from 7.30pm and a good turn out would be fantastic.”
More information on the campaign, and to tell of your recollections contact [email protected]
“Caring, confident” pupils
win praise from watchdog
by Terry Johnson
PUPILS of Stretton’s St Matthew’s C of E Primary have been commended by Ofsted inspectors as ?caring, confident and responsible members of the community?.
The education watchdog also says it is a good school with some outstanding features. It is successful in helping pupils achieve their academic potential.
Pupils were making progress significantly above national average in tests. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural well being was also good.
Head teacher, Mrs Cummings, set clear values and aspirations.
But Ofsted inspectors felt that work set for brighter pupils should be made more challenging.
Commented Mrs Cummings: “We are delighted that St Matthew’s pupils have been commended for their contribution to the school and wider community. They and their parents should feel very proud of this.
“Teaching staff should also take credit for continued hard work and commitment in raising standards”.
Water company
reaches finals
by John Hendon
WARRINGTON-based company Water Business Stream, has been named a finalist in the North of England Business Excellence Awards 2006.
The United Utilities company provides water services to 2.8m domestic and 200,000 business customers and also manages 57,000 hectares of land.
Paul Evans, chairman of Excellence North West, said: “There has been keen competition for the awards”.
The winners will be announced in Bolton on November 7.
Workplace safety
for teenagers
by Terry Johnson
HEALTH campaigners at Warrington want to put a teenagers’ work safety message at the top of the agenda.
They state: “Teenagers have the same rights as adults when it comes to health and safety at work. Like adults, they are exposed to safety hazards in the workplace that can lead to injury or illness”
Some 380 town businesses who employ young people have been given advise on health and safety issues.
A town hall spokeswoman said: “Not all businesses were meeting the required standards. Every business was reminded of the their responsibilities. Formal enforcement action will be taken against those who do not comply”.
Youths sought
after house fire
by John Hendon
THREE youths are being sought by police after being seen running away from a house fire in Densham Avenue, Warrington.
The fire occurred at 4pm on Wednesday October 18 but police have only just released details.
Fire crews were quickly on the scene to tackle the blaze but extensive damage was caused on the ground floor and some neighbours had to be evacuated from their homes.
Three youths wearing “hoodies” were seen running away. Since then, investigations have revealed that the fire had been started deliberately.
Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious is asked to contact DC Ged Bibby on 0845 458 0000.
Quarter of young people
admit to binge drinking
by staff reporter
A QUARTER of Cheshire’s young people admit to being ?binge drinkers?.
But they believe they are hooked to a healthy lifestyle because they eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
A community survey reveals 25 per cent of young people drink more than the daily recommended level – at least once a week.
A third of interviewees said that, on occasions, they drank enough alcohol to affect their own well-being and safety.
Fourteen per cent of young men said they drank more than 21 units a week. Twelve
per cent of girls drank more than the 14-unit maximum.
Two-thirds of young people took part in sports or exercise, at least once a week.
Community spokeswoman, Coun Nora Dolphin, said: “There is room for improvement. We look forward to positive progress”.
Firms’ chance to show
how to save the planet
by Terry Johnson
WARRINGTON businesses are to be given the chance to ?showcase? initiatives to help the planet.
The Mayor, Coun Linda Dirir, is set to launch Sustainable Environment Business Awards. They will celebrate ?green? achievement and encourage companies to reduce carbon emissions which, globally, are changing the climate.
The town hall awards will be launched on November 1. Local businesses are being invited to the event, view displays showing the borough’s commitment to good environmental practice and engage in networking.
There will be a buffet, comprising locally produced and Fair-trade food. Information packs on the proposed awards will be available.
Coun Dirir said: “This will be an innovative and exciting scheme”.
