The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has awarded a grant of £5.6m to kickstart the regeneration of Widnes Waterfront on Merseyside.
The funds will allow Halton borough council to deliver a masterplan for the 198-acre Widnes Waterfron Economic Development Zone (EDZ) during the next six years.
The EDZ is a derelict former industrial area and is expected to benefit from the construction of the proposed second Mersey road crossing, which recently received government backing.
More than 100,000 sq ft of new office and light industrial space alongside a mix of public spaces is planned for the site.
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, said: “Widnes Waterfront has enormous potential to become a prime business location, making a significant contribution to the regional economy.
“The NWDA is delighted to support this development, which will act as a catalyst for investment in Halton, creating a significant number of jobs in the process.”
The EDZ is also supported by the European Objective Two funding programme.
References: EGi News 27/06/06
