George Osborne and Fiona Bruce get behind Cheshire Fresh
George Osborne backs new agricultural auction centre and rural enterprise scheme.
L- R: (Front) George Osborne MP with Nigel Eckersley of Wright Manley, Brian Reay, Pochin Property Director, Gwyn Williams of Frank Marshall and Fiona Bruce MP (Back) Cllr. Andrew Kolker of Cheshire East Council, Bob Nicholson, Pochin Property Project Director and David Watson, Chair of East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce
Pochin Property has presented its plans for an agricultural auction centre, rural enterprise and business destination in Middlewich, Cheshire, to Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Tatton, George Osborne and MP for Congleton, Fiona Bruce.
The meeting took place on the 47-acre site location at Midpoint 18, Middlewich, as Pochin Property directors shared their plans for the Cheshire FRESH development with the MPs and a number of local stakeholders.
With an overwhelmingly positive response to plans for the scheme from local people, both MPs voiced their appreciation for the opportunities the scheme would bring to the area.
George Osborne, MP for Tatton, said: “I am a huge supporter of this scheme that will not only bring hundreds of jobs here but give real boost to the farming economy in the area. It is a great show of confidence for rural Cheshire.”
Fiona Bruce, MP for Congleton, said: “Cheshire FRESH is an exciting prospect for the Congleton constituency, as the farmer’s market and auction house will promote the area to visitors and lift the economy. The development has not received one opposition, demonstrating the level of enthusiasm for the scheme to assist the best interests of established and new businesses in our constituencies.”
Brian Reay, director at Pochin Property, said: “We’re pleased to have presented our ambitions for Middlewich to Mr Osborne and Ms Bruce, and their encouragement will be invaluable as we progress with the scheme.
“Cheshire FRESH will be the flagship development for Cheshire’s rural economy and its food and drinks industry, appealing to a wide customer base, businesses and an ever more discerning general public. We expect it to deliver 700 new jobs in total, with the Wright Marshall Auction Centre safeguarding 40 existing jobs and creating many more. We look forward to the contribution it will make to Middlewich and the surrounding area.”
In addition to the auction house and retail and leisure space, the Cheshire FRESH development will include offices, workspace and a food incubator space.
Pochin Property is the landowner and developer of the project. Its own offices are based on the Brooks Lane Industrial Estate in Middlewich. The business currently employs 155 people and operates in the Construction and Property sectors throughout North West England and North Wales.