THE north west region will benefit from the economic activity arising from some large projects over the next few years.

Infrastructure developments such as the Mersey Gateway and Carrington Power station will provide a welcome boost to the region’s construction sector.

However growth projections over the next four years for the construction sector lag that of other UK regions.

Without strong infrastructure development to provide essential services and facility development for companies the creation of a more prosperous town becomes a real challenge.

The proposed £52m Bridge Street retail development has taken another step forward with the recent planning application.

Without providing a top-notch shopping experience, Warrington will suffer from the draw of Manchester and Liverpool.

This development is just one piece of the jigsaw.

Many people now see shopping as a leisure activity, complete with coffee bars and social gatherings. Creating a great environment for this is essential to draw the crowds in.

The retail sector remains one of the largest employers in Warrington, but has to move with the times.

Online continues to challenge but let’s hope that a cinema outing, a good coffee and ‘click and collect’ rolled-in will keep retail healthy.

LAWRENCE Bellamy is associate dean at the University of Chester's Padgate campus and writes a regular column for the business page.