A COMPULSORY purchase order (CPO) has been made for land needed in to regenerate Northwich town centre.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) has issued the official notice of the CPO for the remaining land needed to develop Barons Quay.

CWAC already owns 93 per cent of the land required for the scheme and the CPO is to secure the remainder.

Clr Herbert Manley, executive member for growth and innovation, said: “The CPO is the next step in delivering this hugely important scheme which will create 1,500 jobs and transform Northwich into one of the North West’s busiest market towns by 2016.”

The closing date for objections to the CPO is February 7.

If any objections are received the Secretary of State may appoint an inspector to chair a public inquiry, which would take place later this year.

CWAC has approved the £80m riverside development which is designed to enhance and increase footfall to the existing town centre with pedestrian links to Witton Street, Market Square and the new Memorial Court leisure complex.

In addition to a cinema and an Asda superstore, Barons Quay is set to include cafes, restaurants, shops, new homes and hundreds of car parking spaces.