Warrington developments from January to keep your eye on

We've rounded up seven of the most notable developments covered by the Warrington Guardian in January that we think you should keep your eye on.

1.) Cockhedge Shopping Centre

The shopping centre may be downsized as part of planned refurbishments (Image: Supplied)

Plans have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council to potentially downsize Cockhedge Shopping Centre.

Included in the application is a proposal to remove the pedestrian bridge in the centre of town, as well as the removal of up to 16 retail units from the site, as it is hoped to become a more financially viable investment.

This is in addition to the plans submitted last summer regarding a housing development at the site.

2.) The Bear & Bottle demolition

The Bear & Bottle is being eyed for demolition (Image: Maps)

Documents have been sent to the council's planning chiefs regarding the demolition of the Bear & Bottle pub, and the MOT garage next door, in favour of high-rise apartments.

If plans are approved, the Mersey Street properties will be razed to the ground to make way for 42 new apartments.

The site has a long history associated with public houses and breweries, being known as the Adelphi Vaults before becoming the Bear & Bottle.

In the late 18th century the building was owned by a brewing company, but by 1990 the company had closed down all of its Warrington sites - the building was then sold in 1999.

3.) Housing development on Omega site

More than 200 homes will be constructed at the Omega site, if these plans are approved (Image: Newsquest)

Developers are planning to build a number of two-storey homes, with one block of three-storey apartments, on the land in Burtonwood.

According to the plans, most - if not all - of the new homes will be equipped with provisions for e-vehicle charging.

This is a follow-up application to the original plans for the Omega site, which were submitted in 2019, and granted permission for the land to be used for a number of purposes - including housing, retail, and food and drink outlets.

4.) Lymm's former Barclays refurbishment

The former Barclay's building is planned for a transformation (Image: Acuitus)

Ambitious plans to transform a disused bank in Lymm were submitted to the council, which include talks of a bar and retail units.

The building, at 4-6 Eagle Brow, has been out of use since 2015 when the Barclays branch closed down - it was listed for £650,000 in January 2022.

One of the details provided by the developers are the proposed opening times for the building's future businesses - there is a view to have retail outlets open from 8.30am until 6pm Monday to Saturday, with Sunday times being 10am until 4pm.

Regarding the proposed bar and restaurant, opening times look to be 12 noon until 11pm Monday to Saturday, and would open from 12 noon until 10pm on a Sunday.

5.) Historic building set for supported living

The listed buildings could be subject to a major refurbishment if the council agrees to the proposals (Image: Maps)

A Grade II listed building on Stanley Street is eyed for a refurbishment, which would allow 10 supported accommodation flats to be installed, as well as a further one planned for use of overnight staff.

According to the developers, Casamount Developments Ltd.: "This type of accommodation plays an important role for young persons as they enable a transition from care to living independently when they reach the age of 18.

"Often, the young people have suffered traumatic childhoods and have been taken out of the care by their parents.

"These types of facilities develop the young person's life skills to go on to live fulfilling lives within the community."

6.) Controversial plans for housing in Houghton Green

The proposed site is adjacent to the M62 (Image: Newsquest)

Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee was due to decide on these plans in November 2021 after members had been recommended to approve the scheme.

However, after scores of objections, including from ward councillors, Winwick Parish Council and residents, were lodged against the application, a decision was deferred - the site in question is vacant farmland at the end of Mill Lane in Houghton Green bordering the M62.

The plans now seem to have been approved, which will see the construction of 27 dwellings - 12 of which will be semi-detached houses, and the remainder being three-storey townhouses.

7.) Town centre building for 'young professionals'

The building has stood since the 1700s (Image: Maps)

An 18th-century building in the heart of Warrington has been the target of a new application that will transform an empty office building into 10 studio flats.

According to the proposed developers, the site on Winwick Street will be tailored toward 'young professionals,' with the planned construction of 10 studio apartments.

A statement from the developers in the planning documents says: "The proposals will convert the existing redundant office space to co-living units with complete respect for the integrity of the listed building.

"There will be no external alterations to the building as a result of these proposals."