CONSTRUCTION projects in Halton are creating jobs and boosting industrial growth, according to a recent report.

The value of industrial building contracts in the north west totalled more than £138m in November, accounting for 23.5 per cent of the overall contracts awarded.

That’s an increase of 9.3 per cent on the same month last year.

A new £8 million Lidl store, creating 20 jobs and £2.3m Polar Ford dealership employing 100 people in West Lane, Runcorn,contributed towards the building boom.

New homes across Halton also helped to support the industry.

These latest figures, taken from Barbour ABI’s latest economic and construction market review, show a 178.3 per cent increase across the UK last year.

Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, said: “The figures highlight strong performance in the industrial sector overall, but particularly in the north west where this type of construction appears to be booming. This is a positive sign for the region, which is already well-respected for its long tradition of industrial innovation.”

Hundreds more construction jobs will be created in Halton when work starts on the £600 million Mersey Gateway bridge in the coming months.

Other proposed 2014 projects include a £30m computer technology investment at Daresbury Sci Tech site, a retail and leisure development at the old Crosville site in Runcorn old town and a gym, fast food outlet and warehouse at Widnes Waterfront.

A £6 million residential development is set to create modern homes for older people on the site of the former Pingot Day Centre in Widnes. It will include 50 apartments, 32 for rent, 12 for shared ownership and six for sale.

Five supported bungalows will also be built on the site in Ashley Green, off Dundalk Road.

The Halton Housing Trust development will have its own cafe and activity room, similar to the existing Naughton Fields development.