How the past is inspiring Baron's Quay's future (From Northwich Guardian)

How the past is inspiring Baron's Quay's future

9:00am Monday 17th September 2012 in News By Gina Bebbington

INDUSTRIAL heritage of Northwich has inspired the design for Baron’s Quay.

The engineering landmarks of Anderton Boat Lift and Town Bridge were used by architect Matt Brook, from Broadway Malyan, as he worked on designs for the headline buildings of the scheme, which are set to house a cinema and supermarket.

Matt said: “I’m keen that the scheme is contemporary – Northwich in the 21st century – that it’s a new type of architecture that is of Northwich and wouldn’t fit into any other town.

“Northwich has a strong sense of place and we want to enhance this not dilute it.

“This design is unique and inspired by the character of Northwich.

“The major landmarks are industrial relics like the swing bridge and boat lift and I was keen to interpret the exposed frames of those and the town centre buildings in a modern way, as well as the two-tone buildings and the strong vertical rhythms.

“Baron’s Quay sits in what was the former industrial area where a lot of larger buildings used to be and we wanted that to come across in the development.”

The scheme also includes a number of new spaces, Baron’s Square, Weaver Point and Riverside Park, where shoppers and visitors can relax.

Baron’s Square, at the top of Leicester Street, will be a central point by the new car park and supermarket that can be used for craft fairs and markets.

South west facing Weaver Point will be by the cinema and River Weaver and will be an area for formal dining, taking in views of Town Bridge and catching the afternoon and evening sun.

Riverside Park will be a more informal space for picnicking and linking up with Carey Park.

Matt said: “With each new space we’re trying to create a different character.”

• RESIDENTS can see the scheme and speak to the people behind it at three exhibitions in Baron’s Quay car park this week.
  The first is from noon to 4pm on Thursday, September 20, the second from10am to 4pm on Friday, September 21, and the third from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, September 22.
  Display boards will also be available at Northwich Information Centre and at Northwich Library until October 8.
  Plans are also available online at weavervalley.org.uk.
  This is the final consultation before plans for the scheme are submitted.