Warrington's Economic Surge: A Blueprint for Northern Prosperity
In the heart of the post-industrial north-west of England, Warrington is defying expectations with a remarkable economic performance that has outpaced the national average. According to a recent report by the Centre for Cities, this Cheshire town has experienced growth 2.2 times faster than the rest of the UK since 2013, making it a standout example of sustained, place-based development.
A Southern Economy in the North
Warrington's success story is often described as "a southern economy in the north of England," thanks to its diverse industrial base and strategic advantages. Key factors include:
- Transport Connectivity: With three motorways (M6, M56, M62), the west coast mainline, and proximity to Manchester and Liverpool airports, Warrington boasts exceptional links that have attracted investment for decades.
- Nuclear Sector Boom: A legacy of the government's 1946 decision to base Britain's nuclear programme here, the town now supports over 6,000 highly skilled jobs in this sector, helping to avoid the worst of deindustrialisation.
- Knowledge-Intensive Growth: The local share of cutting-edge jobs has doubled in the past decade, with Warrington matching Oxford in concentration of innovative firms, particularly in cyber and cloud-computing.
As Carl Oates, director of Dante Group, notes while overseeing the demolition of the old Unilever soap factory for a new AI datacentre: "Warrington has long been known as an industrial town with an eye for innovation." This reinvention of sites from the first Industrial Revolution symbolises the town's adaptability.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its economic achievements, Warrington faces significant local inequalities. A third of children live in poverty, food bank use has surged by more than 200% since 2019, and nearly one in six people require debt advice. The council's activist approach, involving £1.5bn in debt to fund investments, has drawn both praise and criticism.
Council leader Hans Mundry acknowledges the need for balance: "Everyone else told us it went too far. So when I came in, that was my job to try to put things right. And we've been turning the corner." Investments in areas like Birchwood Park and the Omega development have been highlighted as positive steps by the Centre for Cities.
Devolution and Political Dynamics
Local leaders are optimistic about the government's devolution agenda, with plans for a new Cheshire and Warrington combined authority and mayoral elections in 2027. This move aims to provide more autonomy, similar to benefits seen in Manchester and Liverpool under their mayors.
However, political challenges loom. Nigel Farage's Reform UK is predicted to win comfortably in Warrington at the next general election, reflecting voter frustration. Labour MP Charlotte Nichols admits: "It's not unreasonable for people to expect that change quicker than they've seen it."
Stephen Fitzsimons, chief executive of Warrington Chamber of Commerce, emphasises the town's resilience: "For public-private working, Warrington is really, really strong. It helped to bring businesses here." With ongoing projects like the redevelopment of Bank Quay station for Northern Powerhouse rail, Warrington continues to adapt and thrive, offering lessons for economic growth across the UK.
