PLANS to transform two derelict waterfront sites in Widnes into thriving business centres have won more than £1m of public funding.

The Forward Partnership is developing a £5.3m scheme to redevelop the two sites within the Widnes Waterfront Economic Development Zone.

It has now secured £550,000 from the European Regional Development Fund under Brussels Objective 2 programme and £541,729 from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to build its light industrial and office accommodation.

The first site, next to the Heron Business Park off Brown Street, will become Forward Business Park with 11 single-storey light industrial units.

Planning approval has also been granted at the second site, Forward Point, for the construction of three glass-fronted office buildings. Both sites are expected to be completed by next October.

Forward’s Chris Wright said: “The funding we have received is vital in our work to contribute to the regeneration of the South Widnes area.

“Without it, the scheme would simply not go ahead.

“Our aim is to provide high- quality space for businesses from within and outside the wider region. Both developments are designed to attract growth sector businesses, creating 157 job opportunities for the local community.”

The Waterfront Economic Development Zone Masterplan is a project that aims to bring over 80 hectares of derelict land back into productive use and create up to 2,700 new jobs. It will use £5.2m of European Regional Development funding, £5.5m of NWDA funding and a further £3.7m from Halton Borough Council.

NWDA chief executive Steven Broomhead said: “Widnes Waterfront has enormous potential to become a prime business location.

“The construction of high-quality office space is vital to attracting businesses, creating new jobs and opportunities for local people, and the NWDA is pleased to provide its support for this new development.”

Richard Nutter, head of European programmes at the Government Office for the North West, said: “This is a great example of European investment. The Widnes Waterfront area has an amazing industrial history, and projects such as this will ensure that it has a bright economic future.”

alistairhoughton@dailypost.co.uk