MORE detail has been shared on the temporary public space set to replace the former Northwich Market.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has submitted a 'change of use' planning application, and hopes the area will become a bustling ‘community open space offering rest, relaxation and retreat’, which could host ‘informal events’ using ‘a flexible modular space’.

Northwich Guardian:

Northwich Market was destroyed earlier this year when a fire ripped through the building — and took firefighters 30 hours to tackle.

In a planning statement, the council said: “With the future use for the site still to be determined, the proposal is to create a temporary/interim outdoor public space.

Northwich Guardian:

“The proposal has been designed to add visual interest to the site, to create a place to dwell, relax and interact and a space for future outdoor events.

“[This] application is a submission for a change of use for the former Northwich Market to become a temporary public realm space. This will include for facilitating a temporary shade/events canopy of 4.8m height. The public realm and canopy will be located within the footprint of the former indoor market.”

Other documents attached to the application show the authority hopes to line the perimeter of the site with trees and a wildflower meadow, which will improve biodiversity in the area, officials argue.

Northwich Guardian:

Alongside this will sit temporary outdoor public gallery space — giving a boost to artists in the town — as well as an ‘opportunity for temporary market space’.

These initiatives will be complemented by an array of seating and benches to enable residents to take a moment out of their days, or meet with friends when pandemic restrictions allow.

You can view the proposals on CWAC’s website by using the reference ‘20/04213/FUL’.