AN update has been given on Northwich’s Weaver Square redevelopment by the councillor overseeing the project.

Cllr Richard Beacham, Cheshire West’s cabinet member for regeneration was asked how plans are progressing for the site by Northwich Witton representative Cllr Sam Naylor at a full council meeting on Thursday (February 26).

Cllr Beacham said: “Weaver Square is obviously the next major development in Northwich and the vision is very much about having a new space in the town centre for people to live, to work, and to visit.

“The council’s currently engaged in discussions with Mid Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust about the possible relocation of Victoria Infirmary facility to the site. We have also engaged with Homes England regarding a potential residential development on the site too.

“Bringing public services, residential accommodation into the town centre is in line with our recent findings from our town and city centre high street commission, so I know members of the council will be supportive of these kinds of ideas.

“Clearly, Northwich Market and a new public space in the square as well would be components to any future development on the site, and the council has started to explore exciting ideas for a new market and surrounding public realm.

“To trial these ideas for the square, a new outdoor space is being created, which when it is safe to do so, will be a place in the town for people to come together to eat, to drink, work, meet friends, meet family.

“[That’s] the space on the site of the fire-damaged market, and it will improve the appearance now of the recently demolished building, pending any planned redevelopment of the wider site as these masterplans for Weaver Square more broadly progress.”

Earlier this week, work began on transforming the site of the market into the public space.

Once completed, it’s hoped the area will become a bustling open space which could be used to hold informal events and as an al fresco extension to neighbouring local businesses.