Member Article

£158 million investment to Cheshire and Warrington signed by minister Greg Clark MP

The Minister for Science and Universities, Science and Cities, Greg Clark, today formally signed a deal that will bring £158 million of investment to Cheshire and Warrington.

The investment will create up to12,000 jobs and 5,000 new homes.

The deal will support world-class scientific research and innovation across Cheshire and Warrington as well as providing significantly improved transport infrastructure.

Local MPs and businesses joined the Local Enterprise Partnership Board to take part in the signing ceremony at Thornton Science Park, in Ince, Ellesmere Port.

The research facility on the former Shell site will be one of the beneficiaries of the deal, receiving £ 6.8 million of investment for an Energy Demonstrator as well as a share of £31 million announced in the Autumn Statement for an Energy Security and Innovation Observing System.

The investment will support a range of projects including a new public services hub in the Ellesmere Port Central Development Zone and the relocation of Chester Bus Interchange.

Infrastructure improvements will also be made in Crewe to support Crewe High Growth City, including the construction of the Congleton by-pass and the Poynton relief road to open up new commercial and residential development sites.

Minister for Universities, Science and Cities, Greg Clark, said: “I am delighted to be in Thornton Science Park today on this historic day for the area’s economy.

“The Cheshire and Warrington Growth Deal is a vital part of the Government’s long-term economic plan for this area - putting real power in the hands of local councils and businesses to drive growth and job creation for years into the future.

“The economic potential in Cheshire and Warrington is among the most exciting and vibrant in the country.

“The projects to invest in the science corridor, improve local transport infrastructure and boost skills in engineering will ensure that potential is met.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .