I’m delighted that Warrington has very recently been recognised by an independent survey which placed Warrington as 13th highest ‘best cities to work in the UK’, Warrington is only bettered in the North West by Manchester (11th highest). It was also jointly announced in the same week by Nesta & Creative England that Warrington has become something of a creative hub, with over 7,000 people between Warrington and Wigan in employment in the creative industry. The research did point to the proximity of the motorways as being a major benefit, but I also think this is good news since creative hubs are often more associated with growing city centres, so putting Warrington on the national map is an important step.

Warrington & Co have recently welcomed four new tenants into the office incubator, The Base, on the Stadium Quarter. Focused on science and advanced engineering, this business growth facility in the heart of the town centre is a real boost to entrepreneurs looking to make a success in Warrington. Coupled with the opening of the University Technical College Warrington in September, again focused on science and advanced engineering, there is a real buzz now being created around the Stadium Quarter. Warrington & Co are continuing to develop the master plan for the wider area that we expect will bring further office investment news in early 2017. This work is directly associated with our ambition to bring more workers and more residents into Warrington’s town centre, some of the key ingredients necessary for a successful, vibrant and attractive place.

The shape and face of Warrington’s town centre continues to move with the times, changing to incorporate modern facilities to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s generations. Work is progressing at relentless pace on Time Square, with the multi storey car park now reduced to rubble, ready for the new state of the art, 1140 space replacement complete with charging points and family friendly spaces, ready to rise in its place next year.

The building which will become the temporary home for the market is flying up, and traders will relocate there in Spring 2017 bringing with them exciting opportunities to continue an 800-year-old tradition of market trading on the site, before moving to their permanent Market Hall when the whole scheme opens in 2019. For those share a love for history don’t miss the opportunity to step back in time at the forthcoming medieval market on 3 September.