The Ellesmere Port Industrial Area has now been launched!

Unveiled at UKREiiF, the major property investment forum in Leeds, the area surrounding Protos was well represented. Guests heard how Origin will be a global leader in energy and industrial decarbonisation.

It’s part of the momentum to secure even more inward investment in the expansive industrial heartland, in turn supporting the green industrial revolution to deliver one of the world’s first Net Zero Carbon Industrial clusters.

The Origin area already punches well above its weight when it comes to economic activity. It currently supports around 24,100 jobs, 1,300 businesses, and an economy worth £1.37 billion GVA.

The concentration and rich heritage of industry along the M56 corridor has helped create an unparalleled depth and breadth of expertise in energy systems and power generation – with generators sitting side-by-side with energy-intensive manufacturers with around 5% of the UK’s energy is consumed here.

But it has even more economic potential. It is estimated to boast £1.8 billion in potential development investment opportunities, in turn unlocking £20 billion potential GVA. The opportunity to locate key sustainability projects here is substantial, with development of some 3.3 million sq.ft of potential floorspace which would unlock a predicted 30,000 jobs boost.

Protos is a key contributor to driving investment in Origin, with new energy generation and resource management facilities being delivered, and a planned pipeline of consented projects also in the works. Our strategic hub has been identified as a key growth area for Origin, building on the presence of existing manufacturers and employers.

As well as working with the Protos occupiers, we’re delivering a vital energy infrastructure to ensure the area has the resilience to cope with increased demand. We’ve also completed a new grid connection at Protos. Two new substations connecting to the overhead line and reinforcement by the District Network operator means we now have large generation export capability and large power import for those with ‘big power’ requirements.

It's fantastic to see public and private sector partners coming together to drive investment. Such an innovative approach to industrial decarbonisation – developed in Ellesmere Port and with a clear identity in Origin - can serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the UK and even globally.

The growth of the area is testament to the many organisations working together to put Origin on the map. A big thank you to Invest Net Zero Cheshire, Cheshire & Warrington LEP, Cheshire Energy Hub, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Net Zero North West and the many other individual enterprises who continue to collaborate.

You can find further information on Origin here.