WIDNES LEISURE PARK COMPLETES ON SCHEDULE

Construction work on Halton’s new £10 million leisure development, The Hive, finished on time this week as contractor Morgan Sindall handed the site over to Halton Borough Council.

Construction of the 100,000 sq ft site has taken just 42 weeks to complete, and the occupiers final internal fit-out is now underway.

National restaurant group Nando’s announced this month that it was taking the final 3,880 sq ft of space available at the site making the development 100 per cent pre-let.

The first phase will see the 16-lane Widnes Superbowl, multi-screen Reel Cinema with 3D digital capability, and a Frankie and Benny’s and Nando’s restaurants get their finishing touches.

Work on the phase two 60-bed Premier Inn hotel and adjoining Brewers Fayre restaurant began in August following the sale of the 1.47 acre site to Whitbread for £975,000. The four-storey hotel will be one of Premier Inn’s latest, modern designs and is expected to open early in 2012.

Widnes Superbowl has now laid and lacquered all 16 bowling lanes, which have been tested this week by local schools and charities. The centre, which offers professional standard bowling facilities, is set to open its doors to the public this weekend.

Cllr Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council, said: “We’ve reached an important milestone and, at last, everyone will soon be enjoying the fantastic new facilities. I’d like to welcome Widnes Super Bowl to the borough – I’m sure it will be hugely popular – and it’s great that local schools and charities are getting the opportunity to try the bowling alley for free before it officially opens.”

Michael Hosie from St. Modwen who developed the site for Halton Borough Council, said: “The wide ranging leisure facilities at The Hive will attract people from all over the North West and excitement amongst the local community is really building as the opening approaches.

“This is a fantastic project – not least for the local community which will soon have access to some great entertainment facilities on their doorstep.”

Paul Galloway, project manager at Morgan Sindall, says: “We have a strong, long term relationship with St. Modwen and are delighted to hand over another project, on time and to budget. The Hive is looking fantastic and is set to make a big impression on the local area – it is a real testament to the strong partnership between St. Modwen and Halton Borough Council.”