PATISSERIE Valerie’s move to Barons Quay looks unlikely after the café chain entered administration on Tuesday.

A new store in Northwich was confirmed in September, but less than a month later the firm suspended shares and announced it was in financial danger following 'potentially fraudulent' activity.

After months of working to secure the business’s future, no agreement could be reached and parent company Patisserie Holdings this week appointed administrators KPMG.

As a result, 70 stores will close this week with a ‘significant number’ of the company’s 3,000 members of staff set to be made redundant.

Patisserie Valerie had been expected to open at Barons Quay early this year, joining H&M, The Entertainer and a soon-to-open Sports Direct/USC store, before this week’s news.

A spokesman said Cheshire West and Chester Council was 'considering its options' following the announcement. 

The Guardian has contacted Patisserie Holdings for comment. A statement said 121 stores would remain trading as the search for a buyer continued.

Meanwhile, its management team has been retained by administrators and most stores will continue to trade. As well as Patisserie Valerie, other brands affected include Druckers Vienna Patisserie, Philpotts, Baker & Spice and Flour Power City.

Blair Nimmo, head of restructuring at KPMG and joint administrator, said: “Our intention is to continue trading across the profitable stores, as collectively, the brands have a strong presence on the high street and have proven very popular with consumers.

“At the same time, we will be seeking a buyer for the business and are hopeful of a good level of interest.

“Unfortunately, however, we have had to take the difficult decision to close 70 stores resulting in a significant number of redundancies. We will be working with those affected employees, providing all support and assistance they need.”