The proposed Mersey Gateway bridge between Widnes and Runcorn _400
HALTON’S first business to relocated for the new Mersey Gateway bridge is on its way.
Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Runcorn operation has agreed to relocate its operations to Manor Park between 2009-2012.
The Mersey Gateway Project team and Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) have worked closely with TFS and its advisers to negotiate an agreement that ensures the business can relocate within the borough with minimal interruption to its operations.
Frances Brady, regional human resources manager with TFS, said the company “recognises the very positive support shown by Halton Borough Council and the NWDA in helping to secure this major project”.ŠŠ
She said: “We were very keen to keep the business within Halton and are delighted with the potential that our new premises at Manor Park will offer.
“We have an excellent team here in Runcorn and our aim is to make Halton a centre of excellence for TFS.
“The proposals for the new bridge and surrounding locations are very exciting and are one of the main reasons we are investing in the future here.”
The Mersey Gateway team has reached agreement to acquire the company’s existing premises on the Astmoor Industrial Estate and has also worked with it to source and secure new premises within the town at Manor Park.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is based at the Astmoor Industrial Estate, and employs 145 staff through its research and development teams, manufacturing processes, and an internal supply and support centre.
All these jobs will transfer to the new premises.
The deal is part of the Mersey Gateway Project’s land acquisition strategy, through which the council is in negotiations with a number of local landowners and businesses along the proposed route for the new bridge to acquire the land needed to allow it to go ahead.
The Mersey Gateway Project is a £431m project to build a new bridge over the Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes. A public inquiry is expected late next year with work starting in 2011.
