£50bn economy for Cheshire and Warrington

The Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has unveiled a new blueprint to double the area’s economy by 2040.

Cheshire and Warrington, which has the second-highest GVA per head of anywhere in England outside of London, could become a £50 billion economy over the next two decades, according to the LEP.

The refreshed Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) has been updated to take into account changes since 2014 when the first SEP was compiled, including the Brexit vote, the Government’s Industrial Strategy and the Northern Powerhouse.

Other changes include confirmation of Crewe as regional HS2 hub and the creation of Transport for the North.

Cheshire and Warrington LEP chair Christine Gaskell said: “We have a strong economy that is outperforming the national average, a highly skilled workforce and unrivalled quality of place.

“The SEP sets out how we can build on these strengths to deliver our bold vision for economic growth and the strategic priorities we need to deliver to reach our target of a GDP of £50bn per annum by 2040.”

The relaunched SEP’s priorities include delivering a transport system that enables people to travel quickly and easily; ensuring the education available equips people with skills the area needs; emphasising the need for increased housebuilding in urban areas near transport links; and strengthening town centres, leisure opportunities and green spaces.