A MULTI-MILLION pound project to rejuvenate Widnes town centre came a step closer this week.

Halton councillors approved a draft development brief for the first phase of the scheme.

Homes in Lambert Court, shops in Widnes Road and the Halton College Simms Cross annexe are set to be bulldozed to make way for a giant foodstore and 600-space car park.

The superstore has not yet been named but it is understood Asda has beaten Tesco in a two-horse race for the prestigious site.

Developers St Modwen are expected to submit a planning application in the coming weeks.

The new store should be trading within two years.

Morrisons and the Co-op lodged objections, claiming that there was no need for an additional food store.

Both companies fear the new development will simply pinch their customers and threaten the viability of existing shops in the town centre.

Peacock & Smith, on behalf of Morrisons, said: "There is no quantitative or qualitative need for new convenience floorspace on the scale proposed. The trade diversion would primarily come from the Morrison store."

Halliwell Landau, speaking for United Norwest Co-operatives, said: "The brief has fundamental defects. There is no requirement for a superstore and therefore such a store would cause damage to the vitality and viabiity of the town centre."

Halebank Community Action Group objected, saying: "There is no need for another foodstore in Widnes. It will cause other stores to pull out.

"This proposal will destroy the character of Widnes. The old shops and Simms Cross school should be converted for housing."

Altogether, 14 responses were received as a result of the council's public consultation.

Only three residents surrounding the site objected.

Halton Council believes the rejuvenation scheme is vital to revive falling trade at the bottom end of the town.

"One of the council's objectives for the regeneration of this area is to improve the quality of buildings and spaces in this part of the town where there is a clear need for new investment," members of the Planning and Transportation Committee were told on Monday.

"None of the buildings to be removed is listed and therefore not recognised for notable historic and architectural value. It is considered that that their loss does not outweigh the significant benefits the redevelopment of this area can bring to the town."

The council hopes that the development will increase the number of people who shop in the town centre and thereby increase the market share for town centre retailers.

"It is anticipated that the regeneration of this area will bring great benefits for the town as a whole.

"It is appreciated, however, that it will mean an upheaval for a number of directly affected residents and the council is endeavouring to meet their needs by providing housing close to the town centre for those who wish to remain in the area as well as providing for people who wish to move elsewhere."

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