A CONTRATOR has been appointed to start building Warrington’s new £8.5 million business incubator.

ISG is set to start construction next month with the new building on Dallam Lane set to open next summer.

The new 50,000sq ft building is part of the council’s ambitious £190 million Stadium Quarter project.

The five-storey building has been designed to provide work space for start-up businesses, includes a cafe on the ground floor and can house around 100 companies.

Clr Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council, said, ‘A very quick build programme is required for the business incubator to ensure that it is completed by June next year and we are confident that ISG will deliver.

“As a local authority we are committed to ensuring that as much work as is possible is won by local businesses and It was great to see so many local businesses at the recent Meet the Buyer event.

“This project marks the start of the renaissance of Warrington’s town centre.

“This is a pivotal moment that will see our town centre transformed and restored to its former vibrancy.

“Within six months not only will this project and UTC Warrington be rising from the ground but the £52 million regeneration of Bridge Street will be on site.”

Construction management of the incubator is being led by Faithful and Gould who are part of the Atkins group. Both contracts were awarded by competitive tender using the North West Construction Hub. The overall project is being managed by Warrington & Co., Warrington’s partnership for growth.

Funding has come from a £1.7 million European Regional Development Fund grant and £6.7 million investment from Warrington Borough Council’s capital programme.

Steve Park, managing director of Warrington & Co., Warrington’s partnership for driving growth, said: “Warrington is the number one location in the UK for high growth SMEs.

“Warrington is also ranked second highest in the UK outside of London for new business start ups.

“This will be an essential facility for business in the town. The initial first few years for new business is often crucial to their longer term success and the business incubator will help them in terms of flexible rental terms and will provide a helping hand in terms of business support.

“We are looking forward to getting started on the construction.”