ENSURING Warrington Bank Quay becomes a Northern Powerhouse Rail station would boost the wider regeneration of that area.

This is the view of Warrington Borough Council and Warrington South MP Andy Carter, with both welcoming developments on the vision.

Yesterday, Monday, it was announced that Warrington’s rail transport aspirations remain on track following confirmation of Northern Powerhouse Rail plans.

Following a statement made in the House of Commons, plans being taken forward include a Government commitment to continue with and repurpose Phase 2B, also known as the Western Leg, of previous HS2 plans.

As part of this, Warrington Bank Quay looks set to play a central role, with a low-level station being the primary option for the next stage of the development of the route between Liverpool and Manchester.

This would give Warrington significantly more connectivity to Manchester Airport, Liverpool, Chester, north Wales, the wider north of England and ultimately the West Coast Main Line via the existing high-level station.

The council says the announcement follows years of dedicated work and lobbying to ensure Warrington plays a prominent part in any Northern Powerhouse Rail plans.

Council chief executive Steven Broomhead said: “We warmly welcome the announcement that acknowledges the significant part Warrington has to play in taking Northern Powerhouse Rail plans forward.

“The announcement is not just critical for Warrington. It is fundamental in helping to address regional and indeed national rail infrastructure limitations.

“Establishing a low-level station at Warrington Bank Quay will ensure that Warrington becomes better connected with the wider region and beyond, and it is something for which we have been making the case for many years.

“There has been growing regional enthusiasm and consensus for making Warrington a focal point of connectivity for Northern Powerhouse Rail, and I am pleased to see that those views and representations have been listened to.

“The plans put forward also present significant regeneration opportunities around Bank Quay station.

“While we are working hard to seek further clarity on plans for the Warrington Western Link road scheme – which is an essential project which needs to be delivered to fully facilitate Northern Powerhouse Rail – we are pleased to see from this announcement that Warrington is recognised as a critical location as part of rail plans for the region.”

Mr Carter added: “I welcome the announcement from the Department for Transport which creates the opportunity for a hub station in Warrington.

“Northern Powerhouse Rail and the West Coast Main Line would meet at Bank Quay, improving connections in particular along east-west routes for people living in Warrington.

“It will also provide a springboard for further regeneration in the town centre, particularly around Wilson Patten Street and the former Unilever site, which closed back in 2020.

“This investment, alongside the £120million already confirmed last month for transport infrastructure, puts Warrington in a fantastic place to create more jobs and opportunity locally.”