Work begins on refurbishment of building on major road to create new digital hub

WORK has now started to refurbish a building along one of Warrington’s busiest roads as part of plans to create a new digital hub.

Wire Regeneration, a joint venture between Warrington Borough Council and Langtree, has confirmed that work has commenced on the refurbishment of St James Business Centre.

The £5million investment will see the creation of a new entrance on Wilderspool Causeway and a raft of improvements, including new co-working space, a coffee shop, meeting rooms and enhanced facilities for tenants.

A refurbished atrium and a new glazed lift are also included, alongside improved outdoor space for access to the coffee shop.

The project is expected to be concluded in around 12 months.

The thriving business centre, currently home to more than 40 companies, will be re-branded as Warrington Digital Hub.

This is ‘part of Wire Regeneration’s remit to ensure that the town’s economy remains competitive and forward-looking’.

Steve Park, the council’s director of growth, said: “St James Business Centre has always been a home for ambitious small-to-medium enterprises.

“Our investment aims to reinforce that, while attracting the latest generation of tech-led start-ups to Warrington.”

Impressions of how the hub will look once work is complete

Jayne Furnival, group property director at Langtree, commented “Our vision is to create an environment where new technologies and ideas can be tested and refined.

“We will be delivering contemporary and creative facilities that will support networking and collaboration, key ingredients in driving innovation.”

Wire Regeneration is working closely with the parish authorities at neighbouring St James Church to ensure that the new building and surrounding landscaping sit well alongside one another.

“The development is part of wider ambitions for Warrington’s Southern Gateway, of which St James’s Church is a prominent landmark,” Jayne added.

“We are pleased with the dialogue that we have established with the parish.

“We have also informed our wider neighbours about the work, including providing them with a weekly update on forthcoming works via the project web site.”

These can be viewed at refurb.warringtondigitalhub.co.uk/next-week/

The first phase of the new facility was opened in November last year with the launch of a new Digital Suite for the University of Chester.