RIVER Island has confirmed it is hoping to open at Barons Quay before Christmas.

The high street fashion brand is the latest retailer to join the Barons Quay line-up after exchanging an unconditional contract with Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The company will provide a significant fashion offer from a 8,700 sq ft store in the development, opening in a double unit opposite The Entertainer.

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It joins Asda, Odeon, H&M, Sports Direct, Card Factory Barons Quay Social and Wildwood at Barons Quay, with The Coffee House also opening this year.

The Ice Cream Farm-run 'Sticky Paws in the Flavour Forest' soft play and restaurant is expected to open early next year.

Northwich Guardian:

Fit out work will commence imminently at River Island, and although no firm opening date has yet been agreed work is being timed to ensure that the store maximises pre-Christmas trade.

CWAC cabinet member for regeneration and growth, Cllr Richard Beacham, said: “I am delighted to be able to share this news.

"River Island is an extremely well established fashion brand who I know will be welcomed to Northwich by local residents.

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“We will continue to work hard to attract new tenants to Barons Quay and hope to potentially have more great news to share in the very near future.

“This is yet another step along the journey towards Northwich becoming a retail, leisure and cultural destination in the heart of mid-Cheshire.”

Northwich Guardian:

John Sigler, head of property at River Island, said: “We are delighted to be opening River Island in Barons Quay.

"We are looking forward to showcasing more of our products in a new store and location, enabling us to create the best shopping experience possible for new and existing customers."