PLANS to partially demolish Cockhedge Shopping Centre have been formally approved by Warrington Borough Council.
The proposals were submitted to planning officers at the town hall back in January, with plans being validated in February.
According to a summary on the council's online planning portal: "Full planning permission for the partial demolition of Cockhedge retail mall, removal of pedestrian bridge over Scotland Road, the refurbishment of Cockhedge retail mall, including creation of new east and west entrances and reconfiguration of retail units, refurbishment of Unit J, including partial removal of canopy to north-elevation.
It continues: "Re-cladding and sub-division into four retail units (Use Class E), creation of temporary 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."
The decision notice issued by the council's planning officers states that the development must take place within three years of the decision being made.
Proposals will see 16 units demolished, including the former Wilko site and the pedestrian bridge across Scotland Road.
Developers Altered Space also say the scheme will breathe vital new life into the shopping centre with aims to attract new retailer, leisure, food and beverage operators.
Asda will stay in the unit it is in now.
Michael Brown, managing director at Altered Space, said: "The approval of our planning application enables us to contribute to the potential of Cockhedge and foster the growth of Warrington's economy.
"Alongside the retail developments, the project will unlock the Residential Development footprint fronting Scotland Road, capable of delivering 900 new homes for Warrington town centre and improve pedestrian links to the town centre."
New external entrances will be built at each end of the mall, along with four new external-facing units.
Altered Space says it will create 'quality public realm areas' on each side of the mall, featuring both soft and hard landscaping.
A decision was officially made on October 5.
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