Stadium dream wins new fans

Warrington Town's ambitious plans for a 5,000 to 6,000 seater stadium have been welcomed by the site's delivery partners.

Although detailed proposals for the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club's proposed stadium development on the Omega site near Junction 8 of the M62 have yet to be presented to the site's delivery partners - Omega Warrington Ltd, a joint venture between Miller Developments and KUC Properties Ltd, in partnership with The Homes and Communities Agency and supported by Warrington Borough Council - the club's ambitions for a new home, pictured, have been welcomed.

Andrew Sutherland, joint Managing Director of Miller Developments and a partner of Omega Warrington Ltd (OWL), said of the Evo-Stik First Division North Wire's ambitions: "It is excellent news for Warrington that the club is looking seriously at a considerable investment for a stadium and facilities that I'm sure will be welcomed by its staff, players and fans. The Council, HCA and ourselves would be happy to consider its incorporation in the masterplan subject to receiving a viable business plan from the club."

The Omega opportunity for a £1 billion mixed-use development on the 575 acre site is set to deliver 24,000 jobs in a range of skills in the North West over the next 25 years and Sutherland added: "As OWL has said throughout, the main focus for this major site is the Growth Agenda and the securing of jobs for the people of the North West, whether via permanent or construction-led opportunities.

"The partnership has been working hard to achieve this and we have seen a quantum leap in demand from occupiers over the last few months meaning hundreds of jobs can be delivered in the next couple of years."

In December 2012, Omega Warrington Ltd announced the first occupier for Omega North and Brakes, the grocery and fresh food suppliers, is now on site and due to complete their work this summer. The first occupier will bring hundreds of new jobs to Warrington and a series of further investments, by occupiers looking to expand, are about to be announced. These are likely to generate in excess of 2,200 further long term jobs in the next couple of years plus around 1,000 construction jobs.

Councillor Terry O’Neill, Leader of Warrington Borough Council said: "Investment in Warrington is a great news story and one which the Council welcomes with open arms. Warrington FC is well regarded in the town and is a great asset not just in sporting terms but also for its support of the local community.

"We look forward to seeing a viable business plan for the stadium in order that we can consider whether it can be incorporated into the masterplan for Omega."

Deborah McLaughlin, North West Executive Director at the HCA said: "Omega is a significant opportunity to make a real difference in jobs terms to Warrington and the North West after a very challenging economic period. Considerable investment has already been undertaken by partners, both public and private sector, to ensure this site is 'open for business' when the market picked up.

"With recent and further imminent occupier success meaning this can finally be achieved, we need to ensure every square metre of Omega can assist the wider economic development objectives for the borough. With this in mind, the Warrington FC proposals for Omega, and any other plans brought forward, will need to be assessed against that context to ensure the best possible, long-term investment for Warrington."