A MAJOR figure in the regeneration of Northwich says that the location of Weaver Square is perfect for town centre living.

Cllr Richard Beacham, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, outlined his vision and hopes for the site when speaking to the Guardian.

He also says that as a ‘big market person’, he is keen to see a sustainable market form a major part of the site’s regeneration.

But warned people not to expect retail on the same scale as before due to the challenges facing high streets across the country, which have been enhanced by the coronavirus outbreak.

The council bought the shopping precinct in 2014 and demolition began in September last year.

“Since the council bought Weaver Square, it has been reducing the retail footprint by demolishing units which will not be coming back as retail due to their poor condition,” Cllr Beacham said.

Northwich Guardian:

“The council has been engaging with partner organisations to develop a new set of plans, which are due to be published for discussion in the autumn or winter.

“We’ve got to figure out what area means to Memorial Court, the high street and Barons Quay, and it has to recognise the change in town.

“It won’t come back as revitalised Weaver Square, and I’m keen on more people living in town centres across the borough.

“Weaver Square looks like a good place for this with its close proximity to the bus station, leisure facilities and the town centre.

“It’s also well located for people wanting to live in a town centre environment and a real opportunity for people who perhaps don’t want to live in a big city like Liverpool or Manchester, but want to be able to work and commute there while living in lovely town like Northwich.”

As well as living space, Cllr Beacham says a market will be a big part of the Weaver Square redevelopment project.

Northwich Guardian:

He continued: “Northwich is a market town, and both Cllr Sam Naylor and I are big market people. We just want to see a format sustainable for the market’s future.

“The market in Chester has been really popular, Ellesmere Port has long had popular food court and Warrington Market has been a huge regeneration project.

“They are all along the same lines of merging traditional markets and stalls with leisure and food offerings that drive footfall up and allow people to try new things.

“Large chains have shovelled up town centre spaces, but as they are moving more to online sales, there is space for innovative people to come back and do something new.

“As a local authority, we should absolutely be supportive of this.

“We can do something really exciting in Northwich and we want to see something that puts the town on the map.”