Modern upgrade planned for building next to church on busy road through town

A BUILDING next to a historic church on a busy route through Warrington is set for a modern upgrade.

St James Business Centre on Wilderspool Causeway could receive a revamp is plans are given the go-ahead by Warrington Borough Council’s planning department.

The application proposes a new entrance lobby and meeting pod, formed in the atrium at first floor level, as well as landscaping works and a new café terrace.

Applicant Langtree PP says St James Digital Hub is an exciting new vision to redevelop the centre into a place where businesses ‘can thrive together under one roof’.

“The proposal is to develop and refurbish the existing building into a cutting-edge space,” documents state.

“The scheme proposes a mixture of works. There is new floor area proposed in the form of a new entrance lobby and also an infill to the existing car port at ground floor.

“In addition, there is a new meeting pod formed in the atrium at first floor level.

The existing look of the building on Wilderspool Causeway. Picture: Google Maps

“External landscaping works are proposed to improve the building setting, street frontage to Wilderspool Causeway and pedestrian access across site.

“A strip of soft landscaping for use by building occupants is also proposed on site and a new café external terrace to improve the site amenity and occupant experience on site.”

The business centre currently houses a range of office sizes, with shared meeting rooms and co-working space set mainly across two floors.

“Bringing a Digital Hub to Warrington presents a series of opportunities and benefits to the area,” plans add.

“Thoughtful design of this ambitious project will ensure that the full potential of these ambitions may be realised.

“Warrington's Digital Hub hopes to attract opportunity through the people it encourages to take up residence there – long term or just for the afternoon.

“The Digital Hub would become a rich, diverse hub, with a mix of ages, abilities and technological knowledge.”