The North West Ohio Mayors visit Ellesmere Port


Mayors from Ohio, USA were welcomed to the UK and Ellesmere Port by Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council. The industrial visit started at EET Fuels in Ellesmere Port where the four mayors and senior delegates from Ohio and Chicago heard presentations from Gemma Davies, The Council’s Director of Economy and Housing and Rose McArthur, Director, Transport and Highways about the economy and climate change. There followed presentations from EET Fuels, Peel, Hynet, Net Zero North West plus a site tour to Encyclis.


Clowes Developments Secure Strong Early Offers at Viking Trade Park, Congleton


Clowes Developments has announced strong early interest at Viking Trade Park, Congleton, with four of the six units now under offer, just weeks after achieving practical completion on the speculatively built, prominent roadside trade park.


Viking Trade Park comprises two modern industrial buildings, Viking F3 and Viking G3, each providing 12,220 sq ft of high-quality commercial space. Designed with flexibility at the forefront, both buildings can be subdivided into three terraced units of approximately 4,000sq ft, making the scheme ideally suited to a wide range of trade counter and industrial occupiers.


One occupier has secured the entirety of Unit G, while another has taken Unit F1, leaving just two units remaining. The development occupies a prominent roadside location on Viking Way, adjacent to the recently opened MKM Building Supplies branch, offering excellent visibility and convenient access.


Said Councillor Gittins: “I am delighted to welcome the delegates from America and proud that we can share the groundbreaking innovations being developed at Origin Ellesmere Port for sustain- able industry via carbon capture and greener energy, ensuring that businesses can positively contribute to a greener future.”


The delegates heard about Origin Ellesmere Port, one of the UK’s first ‘SuperPlaces’ supporting the UK Government’s ‘Green Industrial Revolution’ by delivering a network of world leading clean industry, power and transport companies innovating new solutions to deliver long-term sustainable growth while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Ohio cities, are undergoing a green industrial conversion to remain globally competitive and to reduce carbon emissions. Ohio cities have developed ambitious industrial decarbonisation plans and are working with commer- cial leaders to implement local goals. The investment programme will play a major role in accelerating the UK’s low carbon trans- formation, supporting decarbonisation and creating highly skilled employment opportunities.


Work underway at the new Northwich Market


Contractors have now started work on fitting out the new Northwich Market at Barons Quay, close to Asda and the Odeon cinema. The new market is expected to open this summer. The new market is being built by Cheshire West and Chester Council to replace the existing market within Weaver Square, a short distance away. The existing 1960s market will close once the new market opens later this year, and will be demolished and replaced with quality new homes as part of an ambitious plan to regenerate the town centre.


The new market will provide a significantly improved experience for customers and traders alike, with a wider choice of stalls and facilities inside a prime corner position with indoor and alfresco seating areas. The vision is to create a vibrant market with a mix of traders selling quality goods and services, locally sourced food and drinks, offering great value and a welcoming space to shop, eat and meet.


The Council’s plans for the new market received overwhelming support; Northwich residents were asked for their views on the new market in an online questionnaire and two drop-in events held last year. Over 1,100 responses were received, with 93% of respondents supportive of the plan to move the market to a new unit in Barons Quay. The first tranche of traders selected for the new market will be announced later in the spring following a successful recruitment campaign held last autumn.


Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said: “I am delighted that work is underway on the new market for Northwich, this is the biggest investment in Northwich Market since 1960s”.


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North West nuclear sector set for major growth as Birchwood Park marks 80 years at the heart of UK nuclear


The North West of England continues to lead the UK’s nuclear resurgence, with the region supporting more than 16,000 direct nuclear sector jobs, over 100,000 indirect supply-chain jobs, and contributing around £5 bil- lion in direct spend to the regional economy each year.


According to new figures highlighted by the Northern Nuclear Alliance in its Nuclear Week in Parliament 2026 Paper, the region’s nuclear economy is forecast to grow by more than 8% annually, with employment expected to increase by almost 50% by 2030.


At the centre of this growth sits Birchwood Park, the UK’s leading site of nuclear engineering, innovation and research capability.


The Park brings together over 6,000 nuclear specialists from more than 30 organisations in one dedicated nuclear cluster, with a unique ability to support activity across the entire nuclear lifecycle. From research and design through to operations, decommissioning and waste management, it is the highest concentration of nuclear employment in the UK.


The site itself has a rich 80-year nuclear heritage, and 2026 marks eight decades since the first meeting of the UK’s atomic energy programme took place at the Risley site in February 1946.


The North West is home to the UK’s most comprehensive nuclear eco- system, including the Northern Nuclear Alliance, Amentum, Cavendish Nuclear, Rolls-Royce, The UK National Nuclear Laboratory and a globally recognised nuclear supply chain.


Together, the region hosts almost 50% of the UK’s nuclear research and innovation activity, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the coun- try’s nuclear ambitions.


COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2026


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