A deal has been signed in Ince which will bring £158m of investment to Cheshire and Warrington.

Minister for Science and Universities and Cities Greg Clark formally signed the deal, at the University of Chester’s Thornton Science Park near Ellesmere Port, that will create up to12,000 jobs and 5,000 new homes.

It will support world-class scientific research and innovation as well as providing significantly improved transport infrastructure.

Local MPs and businesses joined the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) board to take part in the signing ceremony at the research facility on the former Shell site which will be one of the beneficiaries of the deal. The park will receive £6.8m of investment for an Energy Demonstrator as well as a share of £31m announced in the Autumn Statement for an Energy Security and Innovation Observing System.

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The deal will also support a range of projects including a new public services hub in the Ellesmere Port Central Development Zone and the relocation of Chester Bus Interchange which, when completed, will unlock the wider £300 million Northgate development in Chester.

Infrastructure improvements will be made in Crewe to support Crewe High Growth City, including the construction of the Congleton by-pass and the Poynton relief road to open up new commercial and residential development sites, and the anticipated construction of a high level bridge crossing the Manchester Ship Canal from the A56 Chester Road which will support Atlantic Gateway, providing considerable traffic relief immediately south of Warrington town centre.

Mr Clark said: “I am delighted to be in Thornton Science Park today on this historic day for the area’s economy. The Cheshire and Warrington Growth Deal is a vital part of the Government’s long-term economic plan for this area - putting real power in the hands of local councils and businesses to drive growth and job creation for years into the future.

“The economic potential in Cheshire and Warrington is among the most exciting and vibrant in the country. The projects to invest in the science corridor, improve local transport infrastructure and boost skills in engineering will ensure that potential is met.”

Chairwoman of the LEP Christine Gaskell MBE, said: “We are delighted to welcome the minister to Thornton today to formally sign our £158m Growth Deal which, with the support of our partners, will help us to deliver new jobs, housing and infrastructure we need to transform the economy of Cheshire and Warrington, cementing this area’s integral role in the continuing development of the Northern Powerhouse.”

Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “This is a really exciting time for Cheshire and we are very pleased to welcome the Minister to Thornton Science Park to see the University of Chester’s new world-class research facility.”