Receivers hope to improve Weaver Square (From Northwich Guardian)

Receivers hope to improve Weaver Square

11:00am Saturday 6th October 2012 in News By Gina Bebbington

RECEIVERS aim to improve a Northwich shopping centre rather than see it decline, according to a report received by the town council.

Northwich Town Council appealed to Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) to help save Weaver Square Shopping Centre after the announcement that it had gone into receivership in August.

Clr Paul Dolan said CWAC should see it as an opportunity to change the fortunes of the precinct and the town council wrote to the authority to ask for a meeting.

Will Gibson, the town council’s chief executive, said he had been corresponding with Noel O’Neill, head of property and regeneration for CWAC, who had explained that the situation may not be as bleak as first thought.

He read from Mr O’Neill’s email: “I have met with the LPA receiver to get a handle on the situation and understand what this really means for the traders and tenants, because we are one, as well as his intentions as we are also the land owner.

“One thing he did impress on me is that he has been appointed by the lender, Nationwide, to manage the centre on their behalf.

“That means he will be looking to secure existing tenants, bring in new ones and increase the general wellbeing of the centre.

“His remit is to create a positive asset and protect the value of the investment.

“This is positive rather than the natural negative connotation of ‘receivership’.

“It is important that we all understand that his role is to continue to manage the centre, its tenants and seek to improve the position.”

Both councils plan to organise a meeting to discuss the issue in the near future.