THE Warrington Property Review noted that Tourism is worth around £44m to the local economy in its’ 2015 report.

This may be a surprising sum given the profile of Warrington as an industrial and commercial town. Definitions of Tourism are broad and include of course business tourism and day trippers for ‘retail therapy’.

However there has been continued investment in Warrington’s Cultural Quarter, which includes Palmyra Square, Parr Hall and the Pyramid Centre area.

Similarly Bridge Street is benefitting from development with improved shopping and leisure facilities. So at the heart of the town there is a growing attraction for those wanting to spend their leisure time and money.

In fact given the success of Warrington’s business performance some could argue that the expansion of the retail and associated leisure facilities is a foregone conclusion, with high employment rates and relatively good disposable income. It therefore should be of no surprise whatsoever that the price paid for Golden Square, a healthy £141 million exceed initial estimates substantially.

After all in retail success breeds success and investment draws a larger a crowd. Creating a balanced economy is important for ‘future-proofing’ Warrington. And shoppers need refreshments and entertainment too.

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