New jobs for South Liverpool! (Garston and Halewood Liberal Democrats)

Garston and Halewood Liberal Democrats <info@garstonld.org.uk>

New jobs for South Liverpool!

June 26, 2008 12:00 AM

Enterprise has unveiled plans for new office and training space on the Estuary Business Park adjacent to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in Speke.

The 11.5 acre, 200,000 square feet site, which will be constructed over two phases, will provide a wide-range of skills training for people, including those who want to work in the public sector and utilities industries.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: "This is a major boost for the local area which will create a large number of high quality new jobs for people of Liverpool.

"I am delighted that Enterprise is setting up this brilliant facility which will give opportunities to so many people.

"This investment is a further sign of the growing business confidence which is evident all over Liverpool.

"We already have an excellent working relationship with Enterprise through our pioneering joint venture and this scheme shows their absolute commitment to making a real difference to the city."

The company will also forge close links with the Business Academy proposed for Garston as part of the council's Building Schools for the Future programme.

The new school is set to replace New Heys Comprehensive and St Benedicts Roman Catholic High by 2013 and discussions are already underway about how the company will be involved.

Councillor Keith Turner, executive member for education, skills and employment, said: "The skills training that this new centre of excellence will provide is absolutely crucial if local people are to take advantage of Liverpool's growing economy.

"I am particularly thrilled that they are planning to forge a strong alliance with the new business academy as it will make sure that pupils are equipped with the necessary practical skills to compete for decent jobs."

Enterprise already runs a business support centre at the nearby Matchworks site in Garston and employs around 300 people on its contracts with the city council, Defence Estates, Whitbread PLC and back office support functions.

Owen McLaughlin, Chairman of Enterprise, said: "We have a superb relationship with Liverpool through our joint venture partnership. It has gone from strength to strength over the last six years and provided much improved services.

"We are looking forward to developing the new office and training facilities in Liverpool, which we believe is one of the most foremost cities in the country.

A planning application for the scheme is due to be submitted in the next few months.