BARONS Quay will be more than 80 per cent full after the next wave of tenants move in.

This is according to Witton councillor Sam Naylor, who has praised the shopping precinct as a ‘success story’ for the town.

A number of businesses have revealed plans to take up vacant units in Barons Quay, including coffee houses, a swim school, a travel agent and a dentist.

Cllr Naylor made the comments during this month’s town council meeting, where he revealed that he has been speaking to the BBC about Northwich town centre being used as a model by other local authorities.

And he believes this is due to Barons Quay offering a ‘complete experience’ for visitors in the town centre thanks to its diverse mix of tenants.

“Barons Quay is completely different to what it was a couple of years ago, when it was struggling like many other retail projects, said Naylor, who is also chair of the Northwich Regeneration Forum.

“The precinct is currently 75 per cent occupied in terms of square footage, and with the additional businesses coming in in the next few months, it will then be 82 per cent full.

“It was built as a retail shopping centre, but it has a complete mix of places which offer people a different experience when they come into the town centre.

Northwich Guardian:

A taste of what is to come at Barons Quay

“You’ve got your traditional retail with the likes of Asda, River Island and H&M, buy you’ve also got places to eat and drink like Barons Quay Social.

“On top of that, you’ve got other leisure venues coming in like Puddle Duck’s swimming school, a travel agent, a golf set up and even a dentist.”

He added: “It’s always good to promote the town in the region, and it was great to have the BBC down to check it out.

“They view Northwich and Barons Quay a bit of a success story, which other towns can use as a model to follow.

“You will always get those people who try and pick at things and put the town down, but it’s about spreading the positive message of Northwich.”

Sticky Paws in the Flavour Forest, which will include an indoor play area for children, is due to open in early 2020.

The Coffee House is planning to open next month, while BEAR coffee recently revealed plans for an ‘al fresco’ dining area.

Independent travel agents Barrhead Travel have unveiled plans to erect a sign above a unit, and Portman Healthcare received permission to open a dental practice in October last year.

Puddle Ducks swim school has stated that it hopes to open at some point this year.