A STRUGGLING shopping centre and former offices in Northwich are finally set for a new lease of life if plans are backed by council chiefs.

Weaver Square Shopping Centre and the Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) offices in Watling Street are the subject of a long term regeneration proposal set to be discussed on Wednesday, September 2.

The report, which will go before the cabinet, CWAC's ruling group, points out that both sites are owned by CWAC and are the next step in the transformation of Northwich town centre.

It proposes that CWAC works with private sector partner PSP to look into different options and bring them forward.

Cllr Brian Clarke, CWAC's cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: "If the cabinet backs this proposal, we will be at the start of what could be an exciting long term redevelopment to transform Weaver Square and Watling Street.

"There are many factors to take into consideration.

"Not least Danewalk Day Care Centre, in Watling Street, which would need to be relocated.

"And a great deal of planning and consultation with residents would need to take place before even the first brick was laid."

The report points out that both sites sit on Northwich's main thoroughfare and detract from the town's appearance.

It says that in the light of other regeneration schemes, including Barons Quay, Hayhurst Quay and the new Memorial Court, the redevelopment of Weaver Square and Watling Street is essential.

There is a suggestion that Watling Street could be redeveloped to provide a retirement of supported living scheme alongside some form of commercial or leisure use.

The report says that Weaver Square is more complex but that public services like the information centre, library, police station and GP practices could be brought together.

Cllr Lynn Gibbon, CWAC's opposition economic development and infrastructure and housing spokesman, said: "There is a great deal of work to be undertaken and, as a Northwich resident myself, I welcome the regeneration of both these important areas.

"We could now be in the starting blocks of what could be exciting developments in the history of Weaver Square and Watling Street."