Building work begins on new Omega South retail park

Construction is underway on a five-acre plot of land at Omega South, off Whittle Avenue next to the roundabout junction with Burtonwood Road.

Steel framework has already been erected for some of the units following foundation work being completed.

Permission for the development was granted in February by Warrington Borough Council’s planning committee.

This came after outline consent for the scheme was previously granted in December 2020 as part of plans for 617 homes to be built in the area.

How the retail park is expected to look once building work is complete

Access to the retail park will be via a new road off the roundabout, with car parking being able to facilitate 191 cars.

The Lidl supermarket will have a floorspace of 1,900square-metres, with both the McDonald’s and Costa outlets including drive-thru lanes and al fresco seating.

In addition, the McDonald’s fast-food restaurant will boast an outdoor play area.

The existing McDonald’s restaurant at Gemini Retail Park is only around a mile away, while the closest Costa is roughly half a mile away at Odeon Westbrook and the nearest Lidl store is located off Pink Eye roundabout in Sankey Bridges.

Construction work has started on a new retail park at Omega South (Image: Mike Boden)

Application documents stated: “The scheme includes three individual units – Lidl, Costa and McDonald’s.

“Pedestrian and cycle routes through site and to each unit’s entrance have been carefully considered, and provide safe and direct links to the wider network.

“The layout has been designed in conjunction with the local authority to create a cohesive scheme that provides an active frontage onto Whittle Avenue and the new road.

“Main entrances of each unit will be constructed with feature glazing and canopies, providing a contemporary and attractive focal point to each of the buildings and to the site as a whole.

Construction work has started on a new retail park at Omega South (Image: Mike Boden)

“All materials and finishes chosen come together to create a positive and pleasing environment which will be of benefit to the local and wider community.”

Plans approved by the council in 2020 for the former RAF Burtonwood land also included a hotel and an extra care facility.

More than 50 residents lodged objections to the proposals, with concerns centring on existing similar businesses nearby and an increase in traffic, litter and anti-social behaviour.

Ward councillors in Burtonwood, Winwick, Great Sankey and Whittle Hall also objected.