‘GOOD news’ on the Barons Quay development is set to be announced this spring, Northwich’s MP has revealed following a meeting with council chiefs.

The scheme currently has 27 empty units, although one – the second largest of those still available – has been earmarked for a ‘major fashion brand’ with claims of ‘contracts exchanged’ made public last year.

After meeting with Cheshire West and Chester Council’s leader Cllr Samantha Dixon, as well as discussions with the council’s commercial manager and the Mid Cheshire Development Board, Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury says an announcement is forthcoming.

Citing the long wait for progress since Wildwood opened in December 2016 – joining ASDA and Odeon as tenants – Mike said: “Constituents have been expressing their frustrations for some time now.

“These frustrations and concerns are constructive because they’re passionate about the town, and everyone wants to see their town and the community thriving. I am informed there will be some good news to put in the public domain in late spring, but I’m frustrated that due to commercial confidentiality reasons these plans can’t be made public just yet.”

Speculation has been rife as to who will occupy the 7,500sq ft unit, ever since it was announced last May that a ‘major fashion brand’ would be moving in to the £80 million development.

Councillors were told in October that the next Barons Quay announcement would not come before April, and the new CWAC budget includes £1.3 million set aside to help attract businesses.

Northwich Town Council has asked CWAC to hold off on new parking charges until more units are filled.

Mike added: “There are some really good things happening in the town centre at the moment, such as the excellent artisan market and the upcoming Charlatans gig at the Memorial Hall, both of which are draws to the town.

“But there has also been a lot of understandable frustration about the redevelopment of the town centre and the last thing people want to see is empty buildings. I will continue on behalf of my constituents to push for progress.”