Hundreds of jobs could be created at proposed solar panel plant

Plans submitted for Viking Park site in Widnes

More than 500 jobs could be created if plans to transform a massive industrial unit into a solar panel factory are given the go-ahead.

An application has been lodged with Halton Council to transform the site at Viking Park off Mathieson Road in Widnes into an industrial unit for manufacturing photovoltaic (solar) panels.

Permission to develop the huge 10 acre site was first granted in 2022 but it has been vacant ever since.

According to planning documents, it is estimated that the proposed development would create 503 full time jobs at the nearly 10 acre site.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of applicant EELVF IV UK C3, said: “The level of job creation is considered significant in the context of the local labour market and would make a meaningful contribution toward supporting economic growth objectives at both local and regional levels.”

It added: “The proposed use would facilitate a more intensive employment-generating function compared to the lawful use, thereby maximising the economic productivity of the site.”

It said that in terms of addition to direct employment, the development was likely to generate additional jobs via demand for local services, suppliers, and ancillary businesses.

The unit is bound by Mathieson Road and a renewable energy and recycling plant to the north, a Warburtons distribution centre to the east, a renewable energy facility to the south and vacant land to the west.

The unit is located inside the Mersey Multi Modal Gateway 3MG logistics park which is part of the Liverpool City Region Freeport – with firms based there being subject to more generous tax and customs rules than those outside the site.

The statement added: “The site is located within the 3MG logistics park, which is well located in relation to the strategic road network, West Coast Main Line rail access, the Port of Liverpool, and the expanding cargo facility at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and is part of an important strategic location for inter-modal freight transfer.”

It concluded: “As such the site is considered to be a suitable location for sustainable employment development.”

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