THIS is how the traditional retail heart of the town centre will look when Warrington Market and Time Square are transformed.


Warrington Borough Council has released new images of the £52 million plan which will create a contemporary new market hall with shopping and restaurants surrounding the scheme.


The new market will be built on the former Boots site and its Grade II listed front will be incorporated into the design.


When completed in 2018 the development will also include a cinema and a new civic centre and the scheme will create 400 construction jobs and a further 400 permanent jobs in leisure, retail and restaurant sectors when fully completed.


Clr Terry O’Neill, leader of the council said: “This is a tremendously exciting moment for our town and a huge step forward in its regeneration and renaissance.


“Getting to this stage has been difficult and has taken time because of all of the different land and business interests involved in the project but I am very proud that we have finally reached this pivotal moment.


“This scheme, complemented by the Stadium Quarter scheme and the potential of the Cabinet Works initiative will herald the start of a return to a revitalised, vibrant town centre. Our vision, as set out in our regeneration framework Warrington Means Business is to re-stimulate, re-energise and re-populate the inner town.”

 


The 8.4 acre site will be transformed by the council and its development partner Muse.


Matt Crompton, joint managing director at Muse Developments added: “Muse is keen to get started on the Bridge Street Regeneration Scheme, working closely with Warrington Borough Council, to deliver this transformational mixed-use project.


“We believe that it will greatly enhance this part of the Town Centre and bring wide ranging benefits and growth. This announcement about the market hall proposal is an important and exciting step in the process.”


After consultation and the green light from the council and planning permission approval the first construction phase is expected to start in autumn 2014.


Steve Pickering, Warrington Market manager, said: “This regeneration project is a new milestone in the long and successful history of Warrington Market that will secure the market’s long-term future.


“The new market hall with its entrance onto Bridge Street will offer a stunning, high profile entrance on the high street for shoppers and help stimulate and re-energise.”