EXCITING plans to create 600 new jobs at flourishing Winsford Industrial Estate have moved a step closer.

Civil engineering contractor A E Yates Ltd is to carry out the £5 million first phase of infrastructure work.

New roads and landscaping will open up 67 acres of employment land, making space for new industrial and commercial buildings.

The successful estate is already home to 100 businesses and around 4,000 workers.

A site the size of 50 football pitches is expected to create 600 full-time jobs as part of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Public Sector Plc’s Build & Thrive partnership.

A E Yates will be able to protect, manage and operate a live site and maintain social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak by adhering to government advice and guidelines.

The project is part of a five year vision for Winsford Industrial Estate which will create up to 1,260 jobs and deliver more than 460,000 sq ft of new commercial space on land next to the existing site.

Cllr Richard Beacham, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, said: “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.

"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.”

Kate Howe, development manager at Public Sector Plc, said: “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.

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“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.”

Tim Nield, construction director of A E Yates Ltd, the scheme contractor, said: “We are very pleased to be working for the community of Cheshire West and Chester on this very important scheme, to further enhance the economic potential of the region. During the construction period, we will do our very best to minimise disruption to the local area.”

Public Sector Plc and the Council have been working on development of the industrial estate since 2017 and two years ago secured a deal which led to expanding the estate and a new £22 million state-of-the-art, energy efficient factory for Tiger Trailers.

Winsford Industrial Estate has grown rapidly over the years and is now home to more than 100 businesses and around 4,000 workers.

The £5 million first phase of infrastructure works are being supported by £3.8 million of grant funding from Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and a further £1.2 million of funding from the cwinstouncil.

Chairman of the Local Enterprise Partnership, Clare Hayward MBE DL, said: “As our economy starts to re-open we need to be focused on recovery. Building a stronger economy than before and investing in development that will create jobs. Winsford Industrial Estate is a strategically important employment location so the LEP welcomes the safe start of these works.”

Public Sector Plc has 16 Partnerships with borough, city and district councils stretching from Gateshead to the Isle of Wight.