Investment For Cheshire Discussed At International Conference

A number of Cheshire organisations are being represented at an international property conference in south France.

The idea is to try and encourage overseas businesses to invest and set up operations in the county.

Our area is being represented by the Constellation Partnership which comprises of local councils in the Cheshire and Staffordshire as well as the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). 

One of the hot topics of conversation has been the economic impact that HS2 will have.  

It was announced last week that a government consultation has heavily backed proposals for a new hub station in Crewe. 

Chief Executive of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, Philip Cox, said: "I think we're going to be a really, really attractive place to do business once HS2 appears. That opportunity is not just for people coming in to the area, but also people living here as well."

Mr. Cox is also stressing that connectivity is key to attracting investors. 

Another topic of conversation across the three days has been Chester's £300m Northgate Development scheme. 

The retail and leisure project, which includes the new Storyhouse theatre, a new cinema, market and shops, has struggled to attract the investment it needs to flourish. 

But Mr. Cox again feels HS2 could help: "Chester will be an hour closer to London making it a more attractive place to do business. If you are a developer and you know HS2 is arriving, first train to be pulling in to Crewe in about 2027, then you'll realise that you'll bring a lot more business into the area which will make Northgate an even more attractive proposition than it is already."

The MIPIM conference runs between March 13-16.