?1 billion Omega project
moves a step closer
by David Skentelbery
THE giant Omega development, which is expected to provide thousands of new jobs in the Warrington area, has moved a step closer with the appointment of consultants to steer the way forward for the first phase of development.
Omega Warrington Ltd ? a joint venture between Miller Developments Ltd and the Royal Bank of Scotland ? has appointed DBK Back to act as project manager, cost consultant and employer?s agent on Omega North.
The 1.6 million sq ft warehousing and logistics space is part of a 558 acre, ?1 billion mixed-use development.
Nick Gregory, director for DBK Back?s North West office, based in Altrincham, said: ?This appointment is hugely significant for us. To be brought on board at such an early stage on the North West?s largest commercial development opportunity is a fantastic accolade.
?While the DBK Back North West office is only three years old, the team has accrued some invaluable experience working on large scale commercial development projects, and it was this proven track record that has helped to secure the job with Omega Warrington Ltd.?
The first two phases of the project ? totalling 3.1 million sq ft ? have already received outline planning permission, comprising industrial, distribution and office space.
The site will provide a strategic employment hub for the North West, alongside ancillary leisure, retail, hotel and conference facilities.
It occupies much of the site of the former Burtonwood air base and straddles the M62 on both side of Junction 8.
Following DBK?s acquisition of Goyne Adams in April – and the recent opening of a sixth office in Cardiff – the consultancy reports that predicted turnover for this financial year is expected to exceed ?12 million, while the number of live projects being managed by DBK Group have a combined construction value that exceeds ?500 million.
New website launched
to promote charity
by Gary Skentelbery
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A WARRINGTON based charity which is helping people with learning difficulties gain meaningful employment has launched a new website to help spread news of their pioneering project.
SPARC (Supporting People Achieving Real Choice) which was the brainchild of college lecturer Mick O’Gorman 10 years ago, currently has 42 members, with many of them now escaping the “benefit trap” and working in the community with national brands like Tesco, Asda and Matalan.
Thanks to a dedicated team of trainers and job coaches who provide support, the charity has now launched a new www.sparctraveltraining.co.uk to help promote the unique service to other organisations across the UK.
Currently funded by the National Lottery, the charity is working hard to find other funding avenues for when the lottery cash runs out next April.
Project Manager Catherine Mannion said: “Our client group is people with learning disabilities and our main services are employment and independent travel training.
“SPARC believes the best form of social inclusion for people with learning disabilities is open employment and the key to getting a decent job is being able to cross roads and use local public transport independently.”
She said SPARC, which is based at Warrington Collegiate’s Winwick Road campus, has its own specialist Job Coaches and Travel Trainers who support members into work after teaching them how to use local public transport.
SPARC has now developed a unique Independent Travel Training Pack (ITTP) pack for schools, colleges, social services and projects to use with people with learning disabilities.
The pack has a proven 80% success rate for people with learning disabilities and now SPARC ais hoping to generate revenue from the packs to ensure the future success of the charity.
For more information email [email protected]
Development project may
damage conservation area
by Lesley Wilkinson
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FEARS that massive redevelopment of the Winwick Street area of Warrington will have a visual impact on the “stage set ” beauty of nearby Bewsey Street have been sounded.
Planning officers describe the small Bewsey Street Conservation Area as of “stage set” character because the historic authenticity on the building frontages is not carried through to the rear.
In Bewsey Street they say further new building cannot be carried out without displacement of the frontages – but they are worried that the scale of development to be carried out in Winwick Street when the massive Modus leisure and office complex gets under way could have a major visual impact on the Georgian-style terraces.
In a report to the executive board, planners said the new Winwick Street development will affect the character of the small conservation area, and are concerned that the balance of business and residential use is maintained in Bewsey Street.
Officers are concerned that buildings in Bewsey Street should be well maintained and in particular they cite the “dilapidated state” of the Wyclifffe Memorial Building.
Other issues they say need to be addressed include problem sites adjacent to the railway, the appearance of rear yards and fences adjacent to Bewsey Street and retaining open space and greenery.
The executive board will look at recommendations from officers including developing new management and improvement Strategies for the Bewsey Street Conservation Area, and minor changes to the Conservation Area?s boundaries.
Top picture shows part of Bewsey Street’s Georgian-style terraces. Lower picture is of the Wycliffe Memorial Building.
RL star Steve in
trek for charity
by James Parr
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EX-Rugby League star Steve Prescott should be walking into the Haliwell Jones Stadium this Thursday as part of a sponsored trek that will see him and various other celebrities visit all 12 Super League clubs to raise money for charity.
Steve, who himself is battling against cancer, will be visiting Hull KR, Wakefield, Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Warrington, St Helens, Wigan and Salford on foot in a 199-mile round trip.
All monies raised from this walk will go to Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research and RFL Benevolent Fund.
Strolling into the stadium at about 9.30am on Thursday, Steve and the team will then make their way to Knowsley Road, eventually finishing the journey two days later at the Super League Grand Final.
Fans are welcome to accompany Steve along any point of his expedition and all donations are welcome.
On the first day of the trip, Steve managed to raise more than ?21,000 while at Hull KR and it is hoped that fans on the remainder of the journey will dig just as deep for the cause.
Environmental consultancy acquires Canadian company
by Lesley Wilkinson
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A WARRINGTON-based environmental consultancy has expanded its international operations with the acquisition of Canadian company SEACOR Environmental Inc.
The move allows SLR Consulting, which has seven offices in the USA, to increase the service it offers to North American clients.
SEACOR employs 210 people and provides environmental support services to clients in the wood products, manufacturing, land development, government, and oil and gas sectors.
Neil Penhall, SLR Consulting managing director, said: “This acquisition is part of our international expansion programme and provides an excellent platform for further accelerated growth.
“The energy sector in Canada offers particularly attractive opportunities for capitalising on SLR’s expertise in the oil and gas a
nd renewable energy sectors.”
News in brief
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Temporary closure
WORK is to start on Monday, October 22 on essential maintenance work on sewers under Fairfield Road, Stockton Heath, Warrington. The road will be subject to temporary closures for about five days. An alternative route will be signposted.
Classroom extension
PLANS for a single-storey classroom extension at Fox Wood School, Chatfield Drive, Birchwood, Warrington have been submitted to the borough council’s development control department.
Pub brollys
TWO giant umbrellas and a new side “family entrance” will be provided at the Rope and Anchor public house in Manchester Road, Woolston if Warrington planners give the go-ahead.
Girls wanted
CULCHETH Athletic Girls Football Club is looking for girls, aged 10-15 to join training sessions on Tuesday evenings. More details from Kay on 0796 999 1804.
