Green light for Baron's Quay

8:44am Thursday 19th June 2008

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THE long-awaited regeneration of Northwich town centre is now closer than ever.

Vale Royal Borough Council and developers Wilson Bowden Developments have signed a development agreement formally tying the two parties together to deliver the 600,000 square foot redevelopment of the Barons Quay area of the town centre.

Northwich is embarking on a vast programme of redevelopment over the next 15 to 20 years, and the redevelopment of Barons Quay is at the forefront of this programme.

Andy Evans, head of economic and regeneration services for Vale Royal Borough Council

The scheme, which was on hold pending completion of the mine stabilisation project, will open up the River Weaver frontage and link into Leicester Street with a new retail area.

It includes plans for an 80,000 sq ft department store, a 90,000 sq ft food store, a multi-screen cinema, 40 retail units and restaurant space, with a total of £300million private sector investment expected to be attracted.

Andy Evans, head of economic and regeneration services for the council said: "The importance of this development agreement should not be underestimated.

"Northwich is embarking on a vast programme of redevelopment over the next 15 to 20 years, and the redevelopment of Barons Quay is at the forefront of this programme.

"We in turn are committed to doing whatever we can to bring this development forward and are confident that Wilson Bowden Developments will deliver a scheme in line with our vision for Northwich."

John Grinnell, development director for Wilson Bowden added: "We are delighted to have reached this stage in the partnership, in signing the development agreement we are showing further our commitment to the project.

"It has taken a great deal of time and effort to get here and there is a great deal more work to do before we can submit the planning application."