A MAJOR development that could bring hundreds of jobs has been unveiled.

Liberty Property Trust and Stoford Developments have officially launched the first phase of a major warehouse development in Liberty Park, Widnes.

The site could be completed by July, and based on similar Liberty Property developments elsewhere in the country, could generate hundreds of jobs while generating much-needed investment in the town.

Developers were unable to provide a specific number of how many jobs will be created, but it is understood the site will generate 'significant' employment opportunities.

Liberty Property Trust  is a major international real estate agency with properties all over the US and UK.

Project partners, Stoford Development, is one of the UK’s leading property specialists.

The development in Widnes is a 'speculative development' – meaning they have bought the land for development on the assumption lease holders or buyers will appear when complete.

Work has already started on the plans, which were officially launched this week at an on-site event attended by the region’s top property professionals.

The launch saw bosses behind Liberty Park reveal why they were so confident in the success of development – citing their expertise in  logistics.

Bosses have suggested  the construction of the  Mersey Gateway Bridge is one reason why they wanted to develop the site, which will be able to deliver built to suit industrial and warehouse units when complete.

Andrew Blevins, UK managing director of Liberty Property Trust, said:  “Liberty Park, Widnes will bring jobs and inward investment to an area that is rapidly developing, thanks to the opening of the Liverpool2 deep water container terminal and Mersey Gateway.

“It will also add to our growing UK warehousing and logistics activity, mirroring our growth strategy with regard to our operations in the US, which currently owns and operates a portfolio of 106 million sq ft and touches nearly three-quarters of the US logistics market.”

Dan Gallagher, joint managing director of Stoford, added: “We are pleased to launch Liberty Park, Widnes, which heralds the beginning of an exciting industrial development in the region, delivering a high quality warehouse unit in a key strategic location within three miles of Junction 1 of the M57.”

Liberty Park is one of a few recently announced projects that have been made possible by the Mersey Gateway.