Breathing new life into Town Hall

11:38am Wednesday 12th December 2007

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A HOTEL, restaurants and bars could soon breathe new life into the French Renaissance style former Widnes Town Hall.

It is the latest multi-million pound investment to revitalise Victoria Square.

"The treasure of the Town Hall will maintain its integrity," said Phil Watts, Halton Council's operational director of environment regulatory services.

"The listed building and facade will remain. We're confident this will go ahead. The current applicant has already developed hotels and clubs."

Ambitious £5 million plans to build glass pavilion restaurant bars on both sides of this majestic building were dropped when developers, Marmalade pulled out.

Bridge Leisure now intends to convert the former Widnes Town Hall and Business Forum into a boutique hotel, bars and restaurants - and hopes to open for Christmas, 2008.

A two-storey extension would be built at the back, after old annexes are demolished.

The plans are recommended for approval by councillors at a development control committee on Monday evening.

This stunning red brick building, dating back to 1885, was officially opened in 1887 for the national celebration of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.

It could now become the jewel in the crown of an exciting leisure quarter.

Plush apartments, continental restaurants and bars are already taking shape, after a £10 million facelift transformed Victoria Square into a modern piazza.

Top designer accommodation has been created at the former Cornerhouse pub and more apartments and a penthouse above Bar Reef.

Floodlights highlight the magnificent architecture of the Town Hall and St Paul's Church.

The former Co-op building has been transformed into a training suite and has become the new home for the Citizens Advice Bureau.

A state-of-the-art library now boasts a cyber cafe, nursery, youth centre and learning suite, following a massive facelift.

Cllr Rob Polhill, board member for regeneration, said: "Quality is the key to this.

"With the modern and old coming together, it's the contrast you see in other European countries.

"We hope it will act as a catalyst be something Halton can be proud of."