THE wheels are in motion for Winsford Industrial Estate’s £5 million expansion programme.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, in partnership with Public Sector PLC (PSP), has submitted a planning application to kickstart the scheme – including 13 new industrial units, on top of the bigger Tiger Trailers facility which is already in the pipeline.

The development would also include a pub, a hotel, a retail unit, a coffee shop, a fast food outlet and a petrol station – and it is hoped the additional units would create 1,500 jobs.

In its design and access statement on behalf of CWAC, Corstorphine and Wright Architects hails the ‘exciting opportunity’ for redevelopment at Winsford Industrial Estate.

“These proposals seek to achieve the creation of a high quality employment area on a gateway site which the community of Winsford can be proud of,” the document says.

“It will enhance the existing industrial estate whilst being mindful of its setting and the existing habitat and wildlife it harbours.

“The client is committed to making these plans a reality. The interest shown in the development, demonstrated by the planning consent for Tiger Trailers’ new facility, is testament to this and should ensure the viable delivery of these plans in the near future.”

If approved, the development will be built on council-owned land adjacent to the current industrial estate.

CWAC itself is contributing £1.2 million to the scheme, while it has also secured £3.8 million of other investment by working with the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and PSP, and the added industrial estate floorspace has an investment value of £180 million.

Cllr Stephen Burns, Labour CWAC member for Winsford Swanlow and Dene, believes the scheme is an ‘absolutely massive boost’ for the town.

He said: “It’s going to bring jobs, and there are going to be apprenticeships at Tiger Trailers in partnership with Warrington and Vale Royal College for our young people.

“It’s going to increase the prestige of the industrial estate, and it is going to attract businesses to Winsford.”

To see the planning application, search for 18/01850/FUL on CWAC’s planning website.