Widnes retail park approved

Halton Council has granted outline planning permission for Dubai-based Istithmar P&O Estates's proposed retail park on the edge of Widnes town centre.

Landowner Vector Investments, a subsidiary of Istithmar P&O Estates, plans to develop the former Tanhouse Yard site alongside the A557 Watkinson Way.

The new development, called Mersey Retail Park, will sit opposite Widnes Shopping Park, Morrsions supermarket and the main shopping area of the town.

The consent is for 165,700 sq ft open A1 retail with 30% bulky goods. There will be extensive surface car parking and access to the dual carriageway.

Tom Powell of Jones Lang LaSalle, sole letting agent on the scheme, said: "Mersey Retail Park will provide Widnes with a new, much needed retail offer. Our aim is to bring new retailers into Widnes to complement the town's existing offer and strengthen the range and diversity of retailing in Widnes. By delivering a high quality shopping environment we aim to encourage shoppers to spend their money locally, reduce journeys to adjacent centres and thereby boost the local economy."