North West economy bolstered by Mersey Gateway Project

First year figures for the Mersey Gateway Project, released today, reveal a regional investment boost of £44M for the North West economy.

The statistics account for the Merseylink Consortium’s engagement of 138 suppliers and sub-contractors – all based within a 30 mile radius of the Mersey Gateway’s Halton site – during the first year of work, which began in May 2014.

Additionally, 700 people are currently occupied on sites across Runcorn and Widnes to construct the ambitious six lane toll bridge that will span the River Mersey, and the significant infrastructure works associated.

Of those 700 workers, 34 have been employed by the Mersey Gateway Crossing Board, 250 have been appointed by the Merseylink Civil Construction Joint Venture – comprised of construction partners Keir, Samsung and FCC – and 440 have been engaged by suppliers or sub-contractors to work on the projects many different aspects.

A further 300 workers – 1,000 in total – are anticipated at the height of the Mersey Gateway Project this autumn.

Hugh O’Connor, General Manager of Merseylink, said: “It’s very satisfying to look at these figures and know that Mersey Gateway is providing real jobs and investment for the regional economy. These numbers will increase as we move forward.

“Merseylink is committed to sourcing a minimum of 10% of new employees from job centres and current employment and career development initiatives. So far we are exceeding this as 11% of the new recruits have been recruited through the Halton Employment Partnership alone.”

Cllr. Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council and Chair of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said: “It has been wonderful during the past year to watch the Mersey Gateway project really pick up pace, and now we can actually see the bridge begin to take shape in the river.

“An awful lot of work has been carried out to prepare the site for construction and major work is ongoing to improve the road network around Halton to coincide with the bridge opening.

“During the coming months we will be able to see more and more activity on the river as we progress the works on the main pylons.

“This is a hugely important development for Halton and the North West as a whole. It has already brought new jobs and investment to the area but, once complete, it will regenerate both Runcorn and Widnes, relieve congestion and provide enormous economic, social and environmental benefits, too.”

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