Business leaders hail ‘golden opportunity’ for investment in the Cheshire Science Corridor

The potential for the Cheshire Science Corridor to boost the region’s economy has been acknowledged at the MIPIM international property festival.

During a discussion that kicked off the Cheshire and Warrington LEP’s programme of events, Corridor growth director John Adlen highlighted the opportunities presented by the 247-acre enterprise zone.

He told the audience that the Corridor has the potential to draw international investment – and with it, as many as 20k new jobs and 500 businesses.

John said: “We want to put Cheshire on the map with its outstanding science and technology assets. Our aspiration is to create a new golden triangle in the North.

“We are willing to be innovative to support business growth and kick-start developments by using gap funding thanks to our ability to borrow against retained business rates.“

He was joined in the discussion by Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) managing director Thomas Renn.

MSP forms part of property firm Bruntwood, owner of the landmark 400-acre life science and biotech community at Alderley Park.

Thomas commented: “We support the Cheshire Science Corridor’s aspirations and see a golden opportunity here to create something world class here in Cheshire.

“At Alderley Park we have one of the best-invested life science parks in the country with 2,000 people on site and a real focus on developing out that cluster of companies and delivering one of the UK’s leading science campuses that supports both the Cheshire economy and the wider Northern Powerhouse.“

Accompanying the pair on the panel was Cheshire & Warrington LEP chief exec Philip Cox; Henry Brooks, executive director of Tatton Estates; Mike O’Connor, law firm Addleshaw Goddard’s national head of infrastructure, projects and energy; and Victoria Merton of Peel Group.

Philip said: “We are really excited to be here in MIPIM. Cheshire has a hugely compelling, globally attractive story to tell, particularly in terms of its science and technology assets, from Jodrell Bank to Birchwood Park, home of the UK nuclear industry.

“We have true strength and diversity of assets and a willingness to work with landowners to make things happen here.“

The Cheshire Science Corridor was given enterprise zone status by former Chancellor and current Tatton MP George Osborne in 2015.

The Corridor stretches from Capenhurst Technology Park in the west of the county to Alderley Park in the east.