Over 500 Jobs to be Created at New Solar Panel Factory in Widnes
Plans have been submitted to Halton Council to transform a massive industrial unit at Viking Park in Widnes into a solar panel manufacturing plant, potentially creating more than 500 full-time jobs. The proposed development aims to revitalize a site that has been vacant since planning permission was first granted in 2022.
Significant Economic Impact
According to planning documents, the solar panel factory is estimated to generate 503 full-time positions, which is considered a significant boost to the local labour market. A design and access statement submitted on behalf of the applicant, EELVF IV UK C3, highlights that this job creation would make a meaningful contribution to economic growth objectives at both local and regional levels.
The statement emphasizes that the proposed use would facilitate a more intensive employment-generating function compared to the lawful use, thereby maximizing the economic productivity of the site. In addition to direct employment, the development is likely to generate additional jobs through demand for local services, suppliers, and ancillary businesses.
Strategic Location Advantages
The industrial unit is located at Viking Park off Mathieson Road in Widnes, bound by a renewable energy and recycling plant to the north, a Warburtons distribution centre to the east, a renewable energy facility to the south, and vacant land to the west. It sits within the Mersey Multi Modal Gateway 3MG logistics park, part of the Liverpool City Region Freeport, where firms benefit from more generous tax and customs rules.
The planning statement notes that the site is well-positioned in relation to the strategic road network, West Coast Main Line rail access, the Port of Liverpool, and the expanding cargo facility at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. This makes it an ideal location for sustainable employment development and inter-modal freight transfer.
Background and Future Prospects
Permission to develop the nearly 10-acre site was initially granted in 2022, but it has remained unused since then. The new application seeks to repurpose the unit for manufacturing photovoltaic (solar) panels, aligning with broader environmental and economic goals. The proposal underscores the site's potential to support green energy initiatives while driving job creation and regional prosperity.
If approved, this solar panel factory could mark a significant step forward in Halton's industrial landscape, combining sustainable practices with economic revitalization. The plans are currently under review by Halton Council, with hopes for a positive outcome that benefits the community and beyond.
