500 new jobs to be created as part of Liverpool City Region freeport
Hundreds of new jobs are to be created as part of a Liverpool City Region freeport.
A total of 500 new full-time positions are to be made available at a massive logistics facility to be developed at 3MG in Widnes[1]. The development, on one of the freeport’s three tax sites, could also enable Halton[2] Council to retain £2m in business rates every year for 20 years.
The new posts will be available at all levels from managerial to shop floor and will come on-stream from mid-2025 at the building to be known as XDock.
The money retained from business rates would be ring fenced for investment in regeneration projects in the borough, once the development is completed and fully tenanted. Firms KKR and Mirastar have entered into a forward funding agreement to speculatively develop the logistics building at the 3MG site.
Once fully operational, it is hoped the LCR Freeport as a whole could create more than 14,000 highly skilled jobs, delivering £800m of investment and generating an additional £850m of GVA for the Liverpool City Region’s economy.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Being a member of the Liverpool City Region means that Halton can reap the benefits of devolved, local leadership – capturing opportunities that may previously have been out of reach. This is a prime example of how strategic decision is helping us to reinvigorate our economy and, most importantly, change our residents' lives for the better.”
It is hoped by grouping high-productivity and innovative businesses close together, the Freeport can play a role in the region’s work to tackle underlying weaknesses in the local job market such as productivity, pay and job security. Mr Rotheram added: “The LCR Freeport is already proving it has the potential to attract investment and create more well-paid, highly skilled jobs for local people, however, I have always been clear that I only want to use our status as a force for good.
“I want to attract investors who believe in our local ambitions and will work with us to protect workers’ rights and uphold standards and who, most importantly, will support areas in our community that need it most. This approach means that we are already starting to see tangible, positive results for local people – this is the difference devolution makes.”
Tom O’Brien, chair of the Liverpool City Region freeport board, added: “This new development is a significant demonstration of the private sector’s confidence in the city region’s economy and is a real example of inclusive growth in action. Here we have an initiative that could create 500 good quality jobs, at all levels, giving real opportunities to local people and a shot in the arm for the local economy.
“It will help Halton Borough Council’s continuing investment in regeneration projects that will make the area an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.”
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References
- ^ Widnes (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Halton (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
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