4,100 new jobs as giant logistics scheme approved

Langtree’s scheme to develop a major new logistics hub in south Warrington, which will create more than 4,000 new jobs, has been approved.The £180m development, called Six56 Warrington, will provide approximately three million sq ft of new warehousing and distribution space. Its approval now unlocks £7.1m a year in new rates income for investment in services by Warrington Council.The development is on land bounded by junction 20 of the M6 and junction nine of the M56 motorways. The application for the scheme followed a series of public consultation events which helped shape its final design.The project will focus on providing space for logistics businesses, noted John Downes, Langtree’s group chief executive.And, Downes, said it is Langtree’s ambition to ‘go one step further’, ensuring jobs in the local supply chain, too.New employment sites are needed to maintain Warrington’s position as one of the UK’s most successful economies and continue its track record of attracting new employers and jobs to the area, the council believes. The scheme will now be referred to the secretary of state to determine whether he intends to “call it in” for his own assessment. Following approval there would be an intensive period of work involved before the construction of units could begin. This includes reserved matters applications, significant highway and transport improvements and public realm improvements in and around the site.