AMBITIOUS plans for an artisan market hall in Northwich have sparked a mixed reaction from residents.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has granted planning permission for a market hall – similar to Altrincham’s – on the site of the former J&S Motorcycles store, in London Road.

The scheme would include space for five food vendors, plus a cafe, a deli and a bar.

But opinion is split over the proposed market hall’s location, near Waitrose – away from Barons Quay or Weaver Square, where CWAC proposed a similar hall in a masterplan released last year.

Cllr Andrew Cooper, Labour CWAC member for Leftwich, said: “On the one hand we’ve got a building that is not being used, that is falling into disrepair and that someone wants to spruce up and turn into a new business. In the current retail climate we would need to think very carefully before saying no to that.

Northwich Guardian:

“On the other hand, we have got a local plan that aims to target retail development in the town centre, and a very similar plan was put forward for the Weaver Square regeneration.

“I think on balance it is probably the right decision because of where we are with Weaver Square and the benefit of seeing that unit come into use.

“There’s a certain amount of synergy with Bombay Quay and The Salthouse NW, and with the other bars at the Bullring. It could attract more activity to that side of town.”

The former J&S store has been vacant since 2010, when the firm moved to Oakmere.

TK Maxx pulled out of a move to open a store at the site in June 2017, while easyGym was given permission to open at the site last September, but the plans failed to materialise.

Northwich Guardian:

Commenting about the plans for a market hall on the Northwich Guardian‘s Facebook page last week, Gaynor Sinar, founder of the Northwich Independent Retailers Association and former Conservative CWAC member, said: “Would love to have seen this in Weaver Square with a new car park, complimentary to the existing market, which the council could have had upgraded.

“But as that’s not going to happen, I am glad to see the old unit filled and put to good use.

“That corner is prone to being crashed into, and deliveries might be a bit awkward.”

Rudheath resident Emma Naylor added: “What a great idea. I love Altrincham food market and this would be a great starting point for something to eat before mooching into town to the lovely bars for drinks with friends.

“We’d walk from Rudheath but there is ample parking nearby for those that can’t make it on foot. Waitrose carpark being the closest which is 90 minutes free.”

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But Neil Stuart-Hodkinson was unconvinced by the plans.

He said: “Makes me laugh – all the empty shops and units in Northwich, why not try and fill them first? Makes no sense to me, but hey, what do I know?”