PLANS have officially been sent to planning chiefs at Warrington Borough Council for the partial demolition of Cockhedge Shopping Centre.

Having first been alerted to the proposal by the developer, Altered Space, in January, the council has now validated the plans on its online planning portal.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian in January, the developers confirmed that the partial demolition forms part of sweeping plans to downsize the shopping centre, in an effort to make it more commercially viable.

Warrington Guardian: The footbridge has been out of use for a whileThe footbridge has been out of use for a while (Image: Newsquest)

Part of the radical plans involves the demolition of the pedestrian bridge that extends over Scotland Road.

According to the developers, these changes are all in aid of transforming the Cockhedge centre into 'an improved and rationalised commercial asset.'

The council's planning portal states that the proposal's aim is: "The refurbishment of Cockhedge retail Mall, including the creation of new east and west entrances and reconfiguration of retail units.

READ MORE > The amazing history of the Cockhedge site

"The refurbishment of Unit J, including partial removal of the canopy to north-elevation, re-cladding and sub-division into three retail units, re-cladding to Asda trolley bay canopy, relocation of car parking serving Buzz Bingo, creation of new hard and soft landscaping, and the installation of temporary landscaping and hoardings to the south of Buzz Bingo."

Altered Spaces told the Warrington Guardian in January that their plans involved the demolition of 16 retail units on the site.

One of the most important aspects of the proposal, Altered says, is ensuring the centre will be visually appealing to shoppers.

Warrington Guardian: An artist's impression of how the centre could lookAn artist's impression of how the centre could look (Image: Supplied)

Michael Brown, director at Altered Space, said: “Following the approval we received for the Cockhedge Masterplan in August 2022, this detailed application seeks to deliver a downsized, yet enhanced commercial offering breathing new life into an already popular retail destination.

"Importantly the application will also unlock the residential development footprint fronting Scotland Road, capable of delivering 900 new homes for Warrington town centre."

Four outward-facing units are being planned for the site, which will allow the developers to open up the centre for the nighttime economy.

This application is currently under consideration by planning officers at Warrington Borough Council, with a decision due by Monday, May 22.

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