Community will have its say over Baron's Quay scheme (From Northwich Guardian)

People in Northwich will have their say over plans for Baron's Quay

7:00am Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Your Letters

I WRITE in response to the article in Northwich Guardian (January 25) regarding the proposed redevelopment of Baron’s Quay.

I was pleased to read that local chartered surveyor John Fifield welcomes the regeneration of this neglected riverfront site, and I would like the opportunity to respond to his concerns over the proposed supermarket.

One of the driving forces behind this major redevelopment is to increase and improve the overall shopping experience in Northwich, and we are committed to bringing forward a scheme that complements the existing retail offer.

Even at a time when the economy is suffering, there is a clear demand in the town for new retail – not least in the food sector where existing retailers are over-trading.

Our task is to capture this demand in a way that benefits Northwich, not the other towns and out-of-town shopping centres where residents are currently forced to shop because the local offer does not meet their needs.

We believe the size and scale of the proposed supermarket is right for Northwich.

However, as with every aspect of the Baron’s Quay scheme, the proposal is just that – a proposal.

We have pledged to consult with the community as the plans evolve, and their views are crucial to shaping this development.

The design team we have appointed to take forward the scheme is now considering the feedback we received during the public consultation into the development framework.

As part of this, every aspect of the scheme will be scrutinised, including the supermarket.

But the regeneration of Baron’s Quay involves much more than retail. Proposals for a rejuvenated river frontage, high-quality public realm, cinema, restaurants and key connections into Witton Street underline our commitment to the continuous improvement and strengthening of the town centre.

Fundamental to this is ensuring the new development blends seamlessly with existing retail areas, to create a new-look town centre for Northwich that is vibrant, sustainable and fit for the future.

We will again be consulting with the local community before a planning application is submitted.

I urge everyone with an interest in the future of Northwich not to miss this opportunity to help shape the future of their town.

CLR HERBERT MANLEY Executive Member for Prosperity and Regeneration