THE council leader is confident development in the town will firmly put Warrington 'on the map' and has declared it as the place to invest.

Cllr Terry O'Neill (LAB – Burtonwood and Winwick) believes the town will not fall behind Manchester and Liverpool as part of the Government's northern powerhouse vision.

He is also tipping those from other areas across the region to choose Warrington as a shopping and social destination ahead of household sites like the Trafford Centre and Liverpool One.

"There is no risk of us falling behind Manchester and Liverpool because Warrington is synonymous with growth and development," said Cllr O'Neill.

"I think we are a net contributor to whichever northern powerhouse does come through – we don't need to be subsumed by Manchester and Liverpool, we just need to have a seat at the table, our own seat.

"What we are delivering here, for example the Omega development, benefits the sub-region as much as it benefits Warrington.

"We are contributing to the so called northern powerhouse by growing our economy and delivering jobs within the sub-region."

Aside from increasing investment for the town, the completion of the £107 million Bridge Street Quarter transformation has been pinpointed as a 'statement' of the council's vision.

"I think it is brilliant to have a multiplex cinema in place to come here – it will bring many benefits," added Cllr O'Neill.

"Something like that is what you see in city centres but organisations are investing in Warrington because it is the place to invest now.

"The development is really putting the town on the map."

Cllr O'Neill is also in discussions with officials associated with the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to determine how is best to deliver growth.

He hinted more projects could be delivered through the LEP.

"The Government looks at LEPs as being a focal point of delivering projects," he said.

Earlier this month the council confirmed it is working closely with Network Rail to enhance Warrington Bank Quay and improve rail connectivity to the station.

Cllr O'Neill confirmed plans are being put in place to modernise and improve accessibility to the station.

He added: "Bank Quay has a tremendous service but it is a little hidden away, we are speaking about extending it and making it a modern station.

"We want an entrance that signifies the status of the station and status of Warrington and one that is linked to the town centre.

"It is alright having plans but it is about delivering them like I have always said and we are delivering the plans for the town."