David Cameron and George Osborne visit new Wakefield Coca-Cola plant to promote their vision: a transformed northern economy
Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne were given a tour of the new £13 investment by Coca-Cola in their brand new Wakefield plant which will give the fizzy drinks giant the capacity to produce up to 40,000 bottles of soda an hour.
David Cameron said, “I’m delighted that Coca-Cola Enterprises is investing £13 million in new technology at its Wakefield site. This further boost to CCE’s Wakefield plant, the largest of its kind in Europe, shows the huge potential that Yorkshire has to attract global investment and is a big vote of confidence in our long-term economic plan.”
Coca-Cola employs over 400 people in its Wakefield facility in which it has invested over £100 million over the last five years. John Brock, the chairman of Coca-Cola Enterprises, said: “These actions are a critical part of our long-term strategy to continue to grow our business sustainably and make a positive contribution to the British economy.”
George Osborne said “This investment by Coca-Cola Enterprises is a vote of confidence in the UK and our long-term economic plan. It is good news that the investment is bolstering the recovery here in the North of England, in Wakefield.” That means Wakefield property investment is right for you if you're looking for property in a major city.
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Economy & Employment
For George Osborne, the investment in Wakefield underpins the potential of his long-term strategy to create a northern powerhouse.
Speaking of this vision, he said “We need a Northern Powerhouse too. Not one city, but a collection of northern cities, sufficiently close to each other that combined they can take on the world.”
The regeneration of Wakefield is delivering many new jobs. The Wakefield Council estimates that the City Fields development will create 3,700 annual construction jobs over the next 20 years and that 1,660 long-term jobs will be created within the mix of retail, office, and other sectors.
Investment
The regeneration of Wakefield is delivering many new jobs.
The Wakefield Council estimates that the City Fields development will create 3,700 annual construction jobs over the next 20 years and that 1,660 long-term jobs will be created within the mix of retail, office, and other sectors. That means Wakefield property investment is right for you if you're looking for a major city for your portfolio.
Transport
Rail: Following the opening of Wakefield Westgate Station transport links are excellent with 32 services to London every weekday. Fastest journey times are 1 hour 46 minutes with a train arriving in London at 08.46. There are 15 other train stations within the district.
Bus: A new multi-million-pound bus station has recently opened, and there are excellent bus services throughout the area.
Road: The Wakefield district is located at a major hub of the road network with easy access to the M1, M62, and A1 giving access to London in 3.5 hours and Leeds in just 10 minutes.
Air: There are a number of airports nearby providing domestic and international flights. These include Bradford, Leeds, Doncaster, Manchester and Humberside.
Education
There are 7 Universities within 30 miles of WF1.
Independent schools in the area include:
- Ackworth School – a Quaker foundation day/boarding school for 4-18 year olds.
- Silcoates School – a complex of three schools covering the age range 2-18 years
- Wakefield Grammar School Foundation
Wakefield Girls High School and Junior School - Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Junior School
Wakefield Independent School for 3 – 16 year olds
Shops & Leisure
Wakefield is a vibrant location with many new retail developments.
The Trinity Walk shopping centre has an array of shops and restaurants including all leading high-street brands such as Next, H&M, River Island, Topshop, USC, New Look, Debenhams and Sainsbury’s.
The Ridings Shopping Centre has also been refurbished and is attracting other big High Street names.
