AN announcement regarding a major fashion retailer in Barons Quay is ‘imminent’, a senior councillor has revealed.

Cllr Brian Clarke, Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said a deal is currently in the final stages.

He said an announcement is expected in 10 days.

Cllr Clarke said: “There is a store in the final throws, going through the legal stuff.

"When that happens they will make an announcement, hopefully within the next 10 days or so.

“It is good news. The officers have been told not to talk to us about it, other than tell us it is imminent.”

Cllr Sam Naylor, CWAC ward councillor for Winnington and Castle, also confirmed that a ‘major fashion anchor’ is expected to be unveiled.

He said councillors were told the news in a meeting on Thursday.

Cllr Naylor, who is also a Bridge ward councillor for Northwich Town Council, said: “I know that a deal has virtually been done.

“I can’t tell you who it is but I know from the powers that be that an announcement will be made in about 10 days’ time.

“Hopefully once they’re in place others will definitely follow.”

Concerns have been raised in recent months by members of the public and local councillors regarding the lack of announcements regarding what retailers are coming to the £80 million retail and leisure development.

Asda was the first retailer to open in Barons Quay in October of last year, followed by Odeon in November and Wildwood in December.

In February council bosses said there were ‘ongoing, positive discussions with a number of high profile retail names’, though no announcements have been made to date.

Cllr Naylor said: “It is a long time coming.

"It has been a long, protracted negotiations between the council and a major fashion anchor.

“The council are confident on the back of this that many other retail business will follow.”

Cllr Clarke said: “It will be absolutely brilliant when it arrives.

“Once they come, that is when the other shop owners will look at it and say, if they are there, and the cinema, the restaurants, with Wildwood, Asda and Marks and Spencer.

“Let’s go for it, let’s put ours there.”