FASHION brand River Island has applied to install its signage at a vacant Barons Quay unit.

The high street retailer has more than 250 stores across the UK, and a planning application suggest it would take over units 14-16 at Barons Quay – opposite The Entertainer.

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The advertising plans, submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council – which owns Barons Quay – include two large shopfront signs and three illuminated box signs.

Northwich Guardian:

The unit, in red, subject to the River Island application form

River Island would join H&M, which opened last year, and the proposed Flannels store as fashion stores within the £80m retail and leisure centre.

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Further stores Sports Direct, The Entertainer, Card Factory and Asda, as well as newly opened Barons Quay Social, Wildwood, Odeon, The Coffee House, and a proposed soft play centre/cafe.

Cllr Sam Naylor, CWAC ward member for the town centre, said: “It looks like they have decided to invest in Northwich – a town people are saying is on the up.

“It’s further evidence that we are determined to make Barons Quay a success, and it’s steady progress in what is a long-term project.”

A council spokesman added: "We are delighted to see the excitement around the news that River Island is hoping to come to Barons Quay and can confirm that the council is in commercial negotiations with them. 

"River Island’s interest in Northwich is extremely welcome and is further evidence of confidence in the town from a range of leisure and shopping operators.

"A number of other units are also currently under offer and in solicitor’s hands, meaning that we will have some more exciting announcements over the coming months."