Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove has given the go-ahead for a £180m logistics scheme that could lead to the creation of up to 4,000 jobs. Tony McDonough reports
A £180m logistics scheme that will see the building of 3.1m sq ft of space and could see the creation of up to 4,000 jobs has cleared its final hurdle.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove has decided not to ‘call in’ the Six56 Warrington scheme near Appleton Thorn which is being brought forward by North West property firm Langtree. It had previously been approved by Warrington Council.
Langtree will begin preparation works on the site shortly, including significant highway and public realm improvements, and will hope to start building the new warehouse units in late 2023. Once built it will generate an estimated £7.1m a year in business rates.
“This is a major milestone for the development of Warrington’s economy as it seeks to adapt to changing market conditions,” said Langtree group chief executive John Downes
“In his letter, the Secretary of State has acknowledged that local authorities are best placed to decide what is right for their community and this news will not only unlock £180m of development, but generate substantial rates income each year for investment in local services.”
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The scheme is on land bounded by junction 20 of the M6 and junction 9 of the M56 motorways. Mr Downes said the focus on the logistics industry makes most sense in that context. He added: “It’s a very sustainable site and the north west is currently suffering from under-supply of logistics space.
“The sector pays well, with average salaries around £29,000 a year. In a development of this size there will be lots of roles available, from entry-level up to senior technical and managerial jobs.”
And, says Mr Downes, Langtree is committed to ensuring its investment is felt across the local economy via its supply chain engagement programme.
“The impact of our investment will be multiplied if we can engage local suppliers in the construction and operation of the scheme and we are committed to ensuring as many contracts as possible go to local firms,” he explained.