Town centre bouncing back after demoralising year of Covid

This is the view of Stephen Fitzsimons, chief executive of Warrington Chamber of Commerce – a not-for-profit organisation which supports and represents business in the town.

The most recent loosening of coronavirus restrictions as per the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown has seen the welcome return of indoor dining.

This, according to the latest data, has provided another real boost to hospitality businesses in the town since reopening outdoors on April 12.

Getting back into the habit of shopping, eating, drinking and spending time in the town centre once again is something which will take time, Stephen admits.

But if the early signs are anything to go by, the outlook is positive moving forwards.

“Warrington business owners are finally on the front foot as they look to recover lost ground from the worst 12 months in living memory,” Stephen said.

People return to the town centre as more coronavirus restrictions are lifted

“Covid measures are in place, outdoor areas are combating the elements and many staff have returned from the invaluable, yet demoralising furlough scheme.

“But it is going to take time to return to the pre-pandemic days when Time Square first came to life with exciting experiences at the Botanist, Cineworld and Gravity.

“Some visitors are understandably still reluctant to mix as freely as they once did and have made only tentative ventures into the town centre.

“However, we know that transport usage is up, including with Warrington’s Own Buses, and it won’t be long before we spend and stay a bit longer in our favourite shops, bars and restaurants.

“Sadly, the high street will be a bit lighter, with much loved brands such as Debenhams, Topshop and Burtons going the way of Woolworths, BHS and others.

“We need to see this as the evolution of the town centre, not its demise, and the relocation of the University of Chester later in the year will inject some highly anticipated energy to the traditional norm.”