THE demolition of a building which has dominated Northwich's town centre for more than three decades has begun.

The former county council buildings in Watling Street will be flattened to clear the site ahead of a new, 70-apartment residential building for over-55s.

The site has been vacant since an adult day care centre left in 2016. Prior to that, Cheshire West and Chester Council had moved out in 2011.

Galliford Try Partnerships is carrying out the work on behalf of Your Housing Group, which is funding the retirement living complex.

Due for completion in spring 2021, the one and two-bedroom apartments at ‘Water’s Cross’ will offer independent living for both shared ownership and outright sale.

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Brendan Blythe, regional MD at Galliford Try, said: “We are delighted to be working with Your Housing Group in delivering the next milestones for this pivotal, brownfield site in Northwich.

"We are proud to be playing a major part in CWAC’s ambition to deliver a bright new future for Northwich town centre.”

Northwich Guardian:

Planning permission was granted in November 2018, having intially been refused a year earlier.

Cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Richard Beacham, said: “We are thrilled that works have started at the former council office building on Watling Street.

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"The new development will totally transform that part of the town and will be a very welcome addition.

“With the building having stood vacant since 2016, The land sale was an important part of the wider redevelopment of Northwich, and the money is being reinvested in the town as part of the masterplan for Weaver Square.

Northwich Guardian:

“This is part of the council’s wider vision to create a vibrant town centre for the residents and visitors of Northwich to enjoy.”

Demolition and ground works on the site will take up to three months with construction set to begin late summer. The build is expected to support around 300 jobs.

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Lorraine Donnelly, director of development for Your Housing Group, said: “The start of demolition denotes a major milestone in the construction of Water’s Cross.

Northwich Guardian:

“We are pleased to work in partnership with Galliford Try Partnerships to bring quality apartments for those over 55 to Northwich.

"It’s also great to work in partnership with Homes England, supporting our ambition to provide new homes across the north west.”

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PSP Cheshire West and Chester LLP, a partnership between CWAC and Public Sector Plc, is managing the Weaver Square masterplanning process on behalf of the council.

Andrew Murphy, development manager at Public Sector Plc, said: “Working in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council we’re helping to regenerate land which has been vacant for many years to deliver socio-economic benefits for the community.

Northwich Guardian:

“We’re excited to play a role in delivering the future vision for Northwich and supporting the council’s ambitions for the town.”