Cheshire West and Chester Council and Public Sector Plc’s ‘Build & Thrive’ partnership has appointed AE Yates to deliver the first phase of infrastructure work to improve a local business park.
The civil engineering firm will undertake a number of improvements around the Winsford Industrial Estate, including building new roads and landscaping.
The improvements will open up the site for further development and lead to the onward creation of 67 acres of new employment land, new industrial and commercial buildings.
The first phase will unlock land equivalent to the size of 50 football pitches to the north of the current estate and is expected to create around 600 full time equivalent jobs in the area.
AE Yates will be able to protect, manage and operate a live site and maintain social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak through adhering to government advice and guidelines.
The project is part of a five-year programme for Winsford Industrial Estate, which will create up to 1,260 jobs and deliver just over 460,000 sq. ft of new commercial space on land next to the existing site.
‘The development of Winsford Industrial Estate remains a top priority for the council and we are continuing to invest in the site to enable the local community to benefit from its growth and expansion,’ said the council’s cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, Cllr Richard Beacham.
‘This latest phase is the continuation of a really exciting four-year partnership project to develop the site, which will secure employment in the town and help to give confidence about the future at a time when Covid-19 has created some uncertainty for local people and businesses.’
Public Sector Plc’s development manager, Kate Howe added: ‘Moving forward with the development of Winsford Industrial Estate is a real testament to the council’s belief in the people and businesses of Winsford and Cheshire West.
‘By unlocking new employment land in key strategic locations, we can help local authorities like Cheshire West & Chester to maximise the value and benefit of their land and property holdings.
‘The agility and flexibility of our Build & Thrive partnership with the council allows us to respond to the specific needs of a community and to deliver projects that truly support and promote local people and places. As a partner of local authorities, we passionately believe land and property can be used to help local communities and economies bounce back from the impact of the coronavirus.’
Photo Credit – Free-Photos (Pixabay)