“This project forms part of the Northshore regeneration initiative within the Atlantic Gateway Strategic Investment Area (SIA), one of four gateway routes into Liverpool, which have been identified as the city’s key areas for potential business growth.” says Stephen Barnes North West Regional Director at Langtree. “The 16,843 sq m (181,300 sq ft) development will comprise office and industrial accommodation and will span over the three separate sites – Derby Road, Dunes Way and Half Crown Street.

Work started on the £20million business park in December 2006 following funding approvals from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the Merseyside Objective One European regeneration programme. When completed, the scheme will comprise of fully serviced and self-contained office space together with industrial workspace and a children’s nursery.

Stephen Barnes continues: “This is an extremely significant regeneration project for Liverpool, and forms one of a number of key regeneration schemes that Langtree is driving forward in the city.

“This mixed-use scheme will provide small businesses with a cost effective opportunity to occupy good quality office and workspace accommodation without the burden of long leases or large overheads. “The sites benefit from being strategically located adjacent to Sandhills station and within close proximity of the city centre.  We are confident this will be another successful project for Langtree, in partnership with LLDC and English Partnerships.”

Carol Clarke, English Partnerships’ Regeneration Manager said: ”This development forms an important part of the wider plans underway for Northshore and importantly, will help to attract further private sector investment to the area in future.”

LLDC Chief Executive, David Waugh, added: “We are delighted that this important project has received funding approval and is now getting under way.

“Wellington Employment Park is a key element in our plans for the regeneration of the Atlantic Gateway corridor and will help us to attract much-needed investment and jobs to this part of the city.

“We also hope that Langtree’s scheme will act as a catalyst for further high-quality development in north Liverpool docklands.”

Richard Nutter, the Director of the Merseyside Objective One programme, said: “It is vital that good quality industrial and business space is available in Merseyside if the area is retain and develop its newly found spirit of commercial optimism. The investment in the village and business park that we are making with our partners is not simply about bricks and mortar regeneration – it is about fuelling that optimism and ensuring that Liverpool can build on its emerging reputation as a great place to do business.”

Paul Lakin, NWDA Head of Development, said: “With increasing developer and investor confidence in Merseyside I am confident that this scheme will be a resounding success, attracting a number of businesses to the area and making a positive contribution the development of North Liverpool.”