DEVELOPERS at Wadebrook Park are set to unveil more plans - which could make it the town's largest leisure and retail complex.

Birchwood Properties, which has owned the site since 1996, has already overseen the building of a family pub at the western tip of the site, just off the Witton roundabout.

New developments - including a car showroom and a Kentucky Fried Chicken drive through restaurant - are also in the pipeline.

Birchwood boss Nick Hill said: "This is going to be a very exciting development. Although my negotiations with various businesses mean I can't actually name them at this stage, I am happy to say that they are serious names which could be very good for the town."

One firm which may be interested in the site is Ford dealership Quicks of Northwich. Managing director Jim Quick said: "We will be moving from our current site within the next two years, and we are definitely looking for new sites in Northwich."

The land has been untouched by developers for many years, because it stands near ICI brinefields and the abandoned Baron's Quay salt mine. Many companies have expressed an interest in the site - including Castle Street Rover dealer Looker's - but felt they couldn't make it work.

But Mr Hill did make it work, sealing an agreement with Vale Royal Borough Council at the end of 1997.

The site now extends as far as the disused freight railway line, which runs past the B&Q superstore on Manchester Road.

His plans suffered a setback last week when planners put the KFC proposals on ice until their next meeting.

Vale Royal planning chief, George Westlake, said: "Obviously, this is a key site with regard to the Northwich Vision package. We feel that the restaurant chain should make its development as suitable as possible."

Mr Hill added: "I see their concerns, of course. But I have already pressured KFC to think hard about the type of buildings people want in Northwich. So there is a balance to be struck.

"If it goes ahead, I think the park will measure up to what the council wants."

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