THE launch of Warrington & Co’s annual property review 2024 has taken place – with the town remaining a ‘very attractive place’ to do business.

The launch – which took place today, Friday, at the Park Royal Hotel – looked back on 12 months of achievement within the town’s commercial property market.

Now celebrating its 26th year of publication, the report looks at the economic activity of Warrington’s property and development sector over the previous year and prospects for future growth.

Attended by more than 200 people, the event provided an in-depth analysis of the local property development and investment market, with statistics and reports independently compiled by Warrington-based commercial property agents, BE Group, who have authored the report since its inception. Additional contributions were made by Cushman & Wakefield on national trends, with Warrington & Co highlighting future regeneration opportunities.

Successes of the past year that have been highlighted include over 21,500 sq m of office floorspace transacted in 2023, comprising 36 deals – the highest in Warrington for five years, major office and industrial deals completed at Birchwood Park, in Woolston, and at Gemini Business Park, as well as the ongoing redevelopment of Cockhedge Shopping Centre, which will provide new leisure, food and retail space, along with new housing in the heart of the town, the success of boutique retail centre, The Hive, WA1, and the expansion of JunctionNINE Retail Park on Winwick Road, and the opening of Warrington’s new, Living Well Hub – funded by the Government’s Town Deal – in the town centre, which is one of the first of its kind in the country, providing a health and wellbeing ‘one-stop shop’ for local people.

Warrington Borough Council chief executive and chair of Warrington & Co Steven Broomhead said: “It was really positive to welcome businesses for another successful annual property review launch, once again providing everyone with a valuable insight into our strong, sustainable, economic performance.

“We were able to showcase a local economy which – despite the more downbeat investment picture, nationally – continues to perform well, with a business sector which is robust, innovative, and resilient.

“Warrington remains a very attractive place to do business, thanks to the creative and entrepreneurial spirit and strong partnerships that define our town – with businesses, residents, the council, and a range of other partners all playing a role in driving our positive momentum.

“I’m confident that this momentum will continue into the future, as we work together to deliver on our ambitions to create an environment where all our businesses can thrive.”

The council’s director of growth Steve Park said: “This year’s Warrington’s annual property review yet again highlights a range of successes which show that our town remains a leader in business, investment, and innovation.

“Our ongoing economic success is something to be proud of, especially in the current national economic climate. Our strong resilience and collaborative approach continue to attract new investment and fuel opportunity.

“This means we continue to outperform many other towns and cities across the country, which can give us great confidence as we work together to meet the challenges of the future and drive forward Warrington’s growth.”

The Warrington annual property review is hosted each year by Warrington & Co, the town’s urban regeneration and inward investment partnership.