THE opening of Waitrose in Northwich has been heralded as landmark in the history of the town.

The new store is part of the first phase of the redevelopment of Hayhurst Quay, which is transforming the dilapidated site of the former Regal cinema, Floatel and marina.

Peter Gibbs, branch manager, said: “This is a significant event in the history of the town, it’s one of the first regeneration regeneration projects.

“I couldn’t be more proud to be opening a brand new branch in town.

We’ve created here, with our partners, what I believe to be a really wonderful shop, a great place to come and shop and for our partners to work in.

“But Waitrose is more than just a supermarket, we’re here to be a part of the community.”

The store, which employs more than 140 people, was opened at 8am on Thursday by Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans and children from both Winnington Park Community Primary School and Victoria Road Primary School.

Mr Evans said: “I’m delighted to open this Waitrose store today.

“It’s good news for Northwich, Northwich town centre businesses and greater Cheshire.

“It’s about jobs, prosperity and wealth creation.

“For the first time we are looking out on to the water, we haven’t got our backs to the river, and Northwich looks like a different town from here.”

The Hayhurst Quay project has been developed by H2O Urban, a joint venture between the developer bloc and landlords the Canal and River Trust, which invest money back into the UK’s waterways network.

Stuart Mills, from the Canal and River Trust, said: “This is a fabulous start to the regeneration of Northwich.

“I’m a Northwich lad and it’s fabulous to see this place developed after all these years.”

The first customer through the door on Thursday was Northwich woman Jan Saulino, who was surprised with a bouquet of flowers from staff.

She said: “I’m absolutely shocked.

“It’s going to be good for the town if Waitrose is here.”

Fellow Northwich resident Joan Robinson, from Freedom Driving School, was first at the checkout with everyday groceries and served by Zoe Cadman, also from Northwich.

She said: “I knew what I wanted so went and got it – when I’ve got more time I’m going to come in and have a longer look around.

“It’s very nice and I think Northwich needed it.”

 

  • GOOD causes are already starting to reap the rewards of the new Waitrose.

During the first month of its opening customers face a tricky choice between the Northwich and District Youth Centre, Petty Pool Trust and Plaza Community Cinema.

The three are part of Waitrose’s Community Matters ‘green token’ scheme.

At the end of the month £1,000 will be split between the three charities according to the number of tokens received by customers.

Clive Richard, from the Northwich and District Youth Centre, said: “This is all for the kids and also brings publicity for the centre so people know we’re there and can come and use the place.”

Lee Burke, from the Petty Pool Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to be a chosen charity in Waitrose and hopefully we can build a relationship with them and we’ll support various projects and what we do.”

Gillian Edwards, from Plaza Community Cinema, said: “We’re thrilled to be one of the first three Community Matters because it’s a fitting tribute given that Waitrose is built on the site of the Regal.

“It’s a great boost for Northwich.”