COUNCIL bosses plan to build flats in Weaver Square as part of its regeneration, the Guardian can reveal.

The plans form part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s vision set out in the Weaver Square Masterplan, which is gearing up for public consultation.

Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said the apartments will be aimed at young professionals. It is hoped they will help stimulate the evening economy.

He said the council is currently looking at how it will fund the development.

He also revealed the Homes and Communities Agency – a non-departmental public body that funds new affordable housing – has expressed interest in investing in Northwich.

Cllr Clarke said the council is aiming to complete the scheme within three years.

He said: “We’re already modelling financial options for schemes and we are hoping the report will go before the cabinet in October.

“I think three years is the long-term scale, but what we’re doing is looking at the short term, medium term and long term.

"It will come through in phases.”

Cllr Clarke said in the short term, the council plans to knock down part of Weaver Square to open the area up with a view to letting out some of the vacant units, as well as add extra parking. 

The development cannot come soon enough for Cllr Sam Naylor, CWAC ward member for Winnington and Castle. 

Cllr Naylor said: “By investing in Barons Quay, what the council have done is taken their eyes off the ball with Weaver Square. 

“It’s like a ghost town.

“The bottom has also gone out of the market, and that’s happening across the country.”

Cllr Paul Dolan, CWAC ward member for Winnington and Castle, said the council must develop Barons Quay first.

Cllr Dolan said: “For most people, the immediate issue is Barons Quay, longer term it is Weaver Square.

"What we don’t want is both sites being empty, that would not be good for the town.”

Cllr Clarke said the council hopes to complete the first phase of the development within 12 to 15 months.

He also revealed the council has offered to relocate Northwich Police Station so it can develop the land.

“If they want to go we will fund a land swap so we can open up that part of the shopping centre up,” Cllr Clarke said.

Cheshire Police confirmed ‘preliminary discussions’ had taken place regarding a land swap. 

A spokesman said: “As part of the Cheshire Constabulary estates strategy we constantly review all of our police facilities to ensure they are fit for purpose and are situated in locations that provide appropriate levels of access for local communities. 

“We continuously review our strategy to ensure we can take advantage of market conditions and take every opportunity to explore all our options including working collaboratively with different partners. 

“With regards to Northwich Station, we can confirm that whilst some early preliminary discussions have taken place with Cheshire West and Chester Council, no formal agreements or offers have been made. 

“As always, when dealing with our assets, we follow strict governance procedures and our priority is always to ensure maximum value for money for taxpayers.” 

Cllr Clarke urged Northwich’s critics to get behind the town. 

He said: “To those people who are trying to knock Northwich all the time – politicians have been as well – who don’t have anything positive to put forward, Northwich is a good place, don’t knock it.

“Come on and help us. If you don’t want to help us then go away.”