Leader's vision for Northwich

Cllr Mike Jones, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), said ideas are coming forward for Weaver Square Shopping Centre and the former council offices in Watling Street.

"In six or seven years we will have a Northwich which I hope everyone will be proud of," he said.

Cllr Jones was speaking about the CWAC's strategy for the town at a Rotary Club of Northwich meeting.

He said: "Weaver Square is in a very poor state with 40 per cent empty shops.

"Because of the work we are doing in the town we have three major developers talking with us about what we can do with investment.

"We do need to have private sector money and they're looking at using their money and working with us to rebuild and restyle the whole of the line from the market to the police station.

"There's a good opportunity there to really transform the final part of the jigsaw for Northwich.

"We're hoping we can include the council office in Watling Street – that's probably the best location for a hotel, which creates jobs and brings people into town as a centre of activities."

Cllr Jones later told the Guardian that he hopes the council will be in a position to discuss the ideas with residents and businesses within a few months and that work will start once the Barons Quay development is complete.

He said the council's priorities had been to invest in culture, leisure and history to attract other investors in an upward spiral and also bring residents back into town.

"If you draw a figure of eight around Northwich and Winsford then you get some of the wealthiest people in the country living in those areas," he said.

"Those people don't come into Northwich or Winsford, they would sooner go to Manchester, Liverpool or Chester.

"We want them to come to Northwich and spend their money here through children going to the sports centre etc."

He added: "The multi-screen cinema in Barons Quay will hopefully work with Memorial Court and people will be criss-crossing the town bringing vibrancy and families to the town centre.

"Hopefully families will use the town centre and take back the streets from the yobs."