Chester’s One City Place is to host a debate looking at the role and priorities of Chester in the region’s economic growth, as part of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership’s review of the Cheshire and Warrington Strategic Economic Plan (SEP).
The event, taking place with the support of One City Place developer Muse Developments at 8am on 19th January, is part of a programme of events to give businesses and organisations across Cheshire and Warrington the opportunity to have their say on how the SEP can achieve the area’s ambitions to deliver a £50 billion economy by 2040, as set out in its Devolution Growth Bid.
Much has changed since the original SEP was published in April 2014. In Cheshire West and Chester, significant investment through the Local Growth Fund is paving the way for the £300 million Northgate Development to move forward through the construction of the city’s new bus interchange, and the £37 million Storyhouse development is well underway to significantly boost the city’s arts offering. One City Place, which is the first office building in Chester’s £100 million Central Business Quarter (CBQ) has now completed, significantly boosting the commercial office market offering in Chester. In the last six months, the scheme has continued to gather momentum as lettings to RSM, Power Solutions and Excello Law have been announced in quick succession, meaning that the scheme is now more than 50% let or in lawyers’ hands.
Other new developments include the launch of major investment propositions including the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone, which will significantly boost the region’s science assets including the University of Chester’s Thornton Science Park, the Northern Gateway Development Zone, Mersey Dee Alliance and Growth Track 360, a strategy to secure £1 billion of rail improvements to transform the North Wales and Cheshire economy and delivery 70,000 new jobs over 20 years.
Philip Cox, Chief Executive of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “Our economic backdrop has changed significantly since the original SEP was developed in 2014.
“We also have a much more ambitious vision to double the growth of our economy by 2040 and create 127,000 new jobs and 139,000 new homes, and so it is vital that Cheshire and Warrington’s SEP reflects the priorities and growth opportunities that will deliver this growth.
“This event is a real opportunity for the Chester business community to have their say on the issues that are important to them, and ensure that the needs of their own business and sector are reflected in the final plan.”
To register for the event visit click here