WORK starts on the long-awaited Barons Quay development on Monday, November 17, when builders move on site.

The first phase of the Northwich regeneration scheme, which includes an Odeon cinema, Asda supermarket, shops and restaurants, its set to be completed in two years' time.

Tabley Street car park, between Adelaide Gardens and Tabley Street, will be closed from Monday to enable work to start.

Build contractor Balfour Beatty has been working with Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) on alternative parking arrangements to minimise disruption for shoppers and traders.

Work is currently underway to bring the disused car park on Leicester Street, next to Matalan, back into use as soon as possible in December.

Disabled spaces will be relocated on CWAC’s car park in Leicester Street, next to Marks & Spencer.

As the development progresses, the former depot site in Leicester Street will be brought back into use as a temporary car park with the potential for 200-plus spaces.

Clr Stuart Parker, CWAC's executive member for culture and economy, said: “The sheer scale of the Barons Quay redevelopment means that some disruption is unavoidable.

“However, I would like to reassure residents and traders that we are working closely with our contractors Balfour Beatty to ensure we minimise inconvenience wherever we can and to maintain as much parking as possible.

“I would ask the local community to bear with us as this exciting regeneration project takes shape, bringing with it vast range of new shopping and leisure opportunities and creating up to 1,200 jobs.”

The second phase of work – a concurrent build of further shops and residential units – is scheduled for completion in 2017.

Clr Paul Dolan said: “I am sure local people will be delighted to see work finally beginning on the long-awaited regeneration of Northwich town centre.

“I have long maintained that it is important for residents and traders to know that all efforts will be made to minimise disruption in the town centre, including the provision of alternative, if temporary, parking provision.

“This, including good signage, is particularly important both in the run-up to the busy shopping period around Christmas and the commencement of the works in the New Year.”