Shabby Northwich deserves better in the future (From Northwich Guardian)

Plans to regenerate Northwich should be of the highest quality

8:20am Saturday 13th March 2010 in News By Gina Bebbington

QUALITY will be the watchword in plans to rejuvenate Northwich.

Catherine Fox, Weaver Valley programme manager, gave a Northwich Vision update at the Northwich West and Abbey Community Forum, held in Whitegate on Thursday.

She emphasised again the project did need to be reviewed in the light of the recession, but that Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) was committed to Northwich and residents should see something happening within 12 months.

Catherine also pointed out that quality would be the key to regeneration.

“Northwich is a town with great potential and we know it has great potential,” she said.

“I’ve had calls from a variety of developers, who are still interested in the town.

“We still want to make a change that means quality for the town.

“We don’t want to rush into something that doesn’t help the town in terms of its historic centre and the area of Witton Street – we want to support the businesses that are already there.”

She added: “We need to look at our assets – as Cheshire West we’re a major landowner. How can we ensure what’s best for Northwich by using those assets?

“We need to do a quick review of what we’ve got, what was there in terms of the Vision proposals and see what we can do, when and where.”

Catherine said CWAC planned to inject cash into the town centre during the next 12 months, and it was part of her job to spend it wisely.

“I’ve got to get things going for you to see improvements,” she said.

“But we want it to be quality – I don’t want it to be shabby.

“Northwich has had too much shabby.”

An international market will be held in Northwich, on Saturday, as part of the plans to encourage shoppers back into town.

CWAC, the Weaver Valley Partnership and Weaver Square Shopping Centre have organised for 19 stalls to attract shoppers.

They will take pride of place in Weaver Square and along Market Way.

Goods on sale will include Spanish paella, barbecued sausages, fresh bread, crepes and sweets, as well as crafts from across the globe.

The market will take place from 9am to 4pm.