CONSTRUCTION COMPANY APPOINTED TO WIDNES LEISURE DEVELOPMENT, VENTURE FIELDS

Construction company Morgan Sindall has been appointed to deliver Halton’s new multi-million pound leisure development Venture Fields.

Building work on the Earle Road site at Widnes Waterfront is now underway with it set to welcome its first visitors in the autumn of 2011.

The scheme, which is being developed jointly by St. Modwen Developments and Halton Borough Council, will include a five-screen cinema operated by Reel Cinemas, a bowling alley operating as Widnes Superbowl, a 36,000 sq ft Ice Rink operated by Planet Ice, Italian American style restaurant Frankie and Benny’s and a 60-bedroom hotel with an adjoining 7,500 sq ft restaurant.

Michelle Taylor, regional director at St. Modwen said: “We have over a number of years appointed Morgan Sindall to carry out various projects in the North West. We have been impressed by their approach to customer service and commitment to producing a quality product on time and to budget.

“These are characteristics which will be important on a development such as Venture Fields, where we have five committed occupiers who are planning to be open for business before Christmas next year.

“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and continued support for the scheme and are confident the outcome will bring significant improvements and investment to the area, putting Widnes on the map as a major North West leisure destination.”

Jim Morgan, Morgan Sindall area director, said: “We are looking forward to working with St. Modwen Developments and Halton Borough Council to create an inspiring space for the local community.

“We have a lot of experience delivering complex leisure schemes and we are looking forward to developing this state-of-the-art facility.”

There remains a single restaurant unit available to let within the development, extending to 3885 sq ft, and whilst it can be divided is likely to be let to a single operator. St. Modwen is continuing to receive interest on Venture Fields from a number of leisure operators.