Your take on Barons Quay (From Northwich Guardian)

Your take on Barons Quay

3:40pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News By Gina Bebbington

NEW plans for Barons Quay have been met with trepidation by Guardian readers.

Concerns have been raised over the impact of a new supermarket on the town centre while its smelly drains and the plight of Weaver Square Shopping Centre, which went into receivership this summer, are seemingly ignored.

Liam Byrne said: “The revised scheme sounds better than the original proposal so credit to the design team for listening.

“However, the whole proposal still seems shaky because it seems to be centred around a supermarket or 'food store' as Catherine Fox calls it.”

He added: “It sounds like Northwich is going to get another supermarket whether we like it or not.

“CWAC council has spoken.

“We already have at least five so another one won't make much difference other than take away trade from shops in the town.

“Meanwhile, not a dicky bird about about supporting loyal local retailers by saving and reinvigorating what is really the town centre, Witton Street and Weaver Square, and getting rid of the sewage stench.”

In a post on northwichguardian.co.uk online reader onered said: “Another supermarket, a 40-bed hotel and a car park with 2,300 spaces, all for what?

“A TOWN WITH SMELLING DRAINS.

“We won't be able to move for visitors.”

Former county councillor Andrew Needham, chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), said he was concerned that plans were being put together before any businesses sign up to be a part of the scheme.

“I like the design but what worries me is that CWAC is designing a supermarket and cinema and wants to find tenants but those people in that line of business might say ‘we don’t like it and we want to change it’,” he said.

I’m really worried that it’s proceeding without any input from the commercial quarter.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) is currently consulting on its Barons Quay proposals.

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 official plans for the scheme are submitted.