CHESHIRE West and Chester Council has officially revealed the first shop to take its place at Barons Quay.

The Guardian reported last week that the UK’s largest independent toy retailer, The Entertainer, had confirmed it was set to open in Barons Quay before Christmas.

The council has now released a statement officially announcing that The Entertainer has been confirmed to move into Barons Quay.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, Councillor Brian Clarke said: “This is exciting news for the town and for local residents.

“Negotiations are currently underway with several other retail and leisure businesses and we would hope to announce these over the coming weeks and months - adding to the fashion retailer who signed-up to Barons Quay back in May.

“The Council has always seen Barons Quay as a long-term commitment and just one part of a wider regeneration programme for the town centre.“ It will join the likes of Odeon, Wildwood and Asda at the £80 million Barons Quay development but is the first retailer to be named as one of the shop units.

It is understood that H&M is the anonymous fashion retailer which the council says signed up in May and Sports Direct is also expected to open at Barons Quay in the near future.

The Entertainer sells all the latest and most popular toys, such as PJ Masks, Lego Friends and L.O.L.

Andrew Milner-Walker, head of property at The Entertainer, says Northwich’s ‘big ambitions’ attracted the store to Barons Quay.

He said: “We pride ourselves on being the best loved toy shop; one that creates memories and delivers outstanding customer service so that families want to keep coming back.

“We chose Northwich as it’s a town with big ambitions, and we see The Entertainer as being part of the transformation of what is already a busy and vibrant place to shop.”

Handover of the 3,000 square foot unit close to ASDA and Marks & Spencer is planned for the end of September, with the toy store anticipated to open in time for Christmas.