Plans for Omega West, in Bold, which is on the boundary of St Helens and Warrington have been approved after a public inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate.  

It follows St Helens Borough Council’s own Planning Committee approving the plans in October last year.

Home Bargains will make one of the units their home, creating an average of 1,230 full time jobs when at full capacity. The plans also include the development of a further three units on the land which borders on to the existing Omega South site in Warrington.

Leader of St Helens Borough Council, Councillor David Baines, welcomed the announcement. He said: “This announcement is another sign of St Helens Borough’s ambitious plans to help support our economic reset and recovery. With Home Bargain already on board it means that this site will be delivering jobs for our residents. They have committed to working with us to target recruitment around our deprived communities and provide apprenticeship opportunities for young people alongside support to make work accessible for these communities.  

“This development will also bring more than £1.8m infrastructure improvements in the area as part of developer contributions that will have a positive impact on the Bold Forest Park Area.”  

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, added: “I’m delighted that the benefits of this project will be recognised. At the planning inquiry I spoke about the fact that TJ Morris, the group behind Home Bargains, had said they would support communities like Bold and Thatto Heath which are close to this site and focus their recruitment for those who are out of work in those areas. This project will bring in vital jobs that will make a lasting positive impact to so many of our residents’ lives.”