HOUSEBUILDERS Persimmon have become the first occupiers of the iconic Chadwick House – the historic centrepiece building on Warrington’s Birchwood Park.
Warrington Wolves players joined borough council chiefs to cut the ribbon on Persimmon’s new north-west headquarters.
Rugby League aces Joe Philbin and Arron Lindop were alongside council leader Hans Mundry and chief executive Steven Broomhead to formally open the new offices.
Persimmon is the first occupier of the historic Chadwick House building following its refurbishment and transformation works.
Chadwick House was built in 1976 after the wartime Royal Ordnance factory at Risley was closed.
It became the headquarters of the newly formed United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
At the time it was regarded as the last word in modern office development.
But over the years it became dated and was described as being typical of 1970s office building – a six-storey flat-roofed, framed block with a courtyard arrangement.
The modernised office boasts collaborative workspaces, breakout areas, and access to on-site facilities in EngineRooms and the Alive & Well gym.
Councillor Hans Mundry, leader of Warrington Borough Council said: “It was great to meet some of the team at Persimmon and officially open their new office at Birchwood Park.
“I am delighted to see one of the UK’s largest housebuilders choose Warrington as their new home and I’m confident they will enjoy their time here.”
Steven Broomhead, the council’s chief executive said: “It is really pleasing that a blue-chip housebuilder is joining our successful business park.
“Persimmon is now part of a park which has 6,000 high-value jobs and is making a significant contribution to local and regional economic growth.”
Ian Hilliker, managing director at Persimmon North West, added: “We’re delighted to have moved into our new, modern offices here at Birchwood Park.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to Cllr Mundry, Mr Broomhead and Joe and Arron for helping us celebrate the formal opening of our new home.”
Martin O’Rourke, commercial director at Birchwood Park said: “This move marks a significant moment for Chadwick House, perhaps our most recognisable building over the decades, as it completes the first stage of major refurbishment work.
“This is further evidence that Birchwood Park is a hotspot for developers across the region and nationwide.”
