Omega West taking shape and delivering jobs

Article date: 7th June 2023

Work is well advanced on the creation of more than 1million sq ft of warehousing, logistics and office development for key tenants including Home Bargains. Through the construction phase of the work many people have already found work and apprentice opportunities with the developers.

St Helens Borough Council's Ways to Work Team have worked closely with Miller Developments and local jobs fairs have provided an opportunity to link people living nearby make the most of the huge development on their doorstep. These have extended to school placements for young people interested in finding out more.

Rebekah Morris was one of the people who benefitted from the job fairs in the local community linking residents to employers on site. She is now a Document Controller at contractor McLaren.

She said: "I went to a jobs fair in late October, I met a lovely and fantastic company called McLaren, they offered me a position very quickly. I was absolutely overjoyed and took the position right away. It was the best choice I've ever made, it's completely changed my life."

The council's Inclusive Growth Strategy, which is set to go before Cabinet later this month for approval, will focus on making the most of opportunities like the Omega West development brings to businesses and residents through work and supply chain options for our borough, while also working with organisations to provide the right skills for future workforces.

With the development progressing, Council Leader Councillor David Baines and Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Business, Economy and Skills, took a tour of the facilities.

Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Business, Economy and Skills said: "It's been great to see how this private investment scheme is delivering social value for our residents, not just by creating jobs, apprenticeships and school placements but we've also heard how the construction phase has seen £14m worth of orders placed with local businesses, driving a local supply chain that will continue when the eventual businesses like Home Bargains move in to these new facilities. It was good to hear from some of the people who have benefitted from the support of our Ways to Work Team to make sure that our local residents are getting the opportunity developments like this bring with them."

If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunities for work and apprenticeships at the site you can contact the Ways to Work Team on the dedicated email: omegajobs@sthelens.gov.uk to find out more.