Cabinet asked to approve plans to transform Winsford Market

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet will be asked to give the go ahead for plans to transform Winsford Market as part of the ongoing regeneration of the town centre at the Cabinet meeting of Wednesday 9 July. If agreed, the Market improvement works are anticipated to be completed by summer 2026.

During 2024 and 2025, the Council met with market traders to discuss options for improving the Market, with traders expressing a clear preference to remain in the current building.

Following these discussions, the proposal is for the Market to remain in its current location and be refurbished with a plan to increase trading days and attract more traders. Investment will be made to enhance the current offer and develop new community space within the current building for people to enjoy, creating a sustainable Market that is fit for the future.

This will feature improvements to the condition of the building including a roof replacement, an improved entrance and gateway area increasing visibility and encouraging a greater number of visitors. There will also be a reconfiguration inside the Market which will create community space for groups and events, helping to revitalise the trading environment.

A new monthly Artisan Market started last month and has demonstrated benefits across the town centre with increased footfall and trade, including into the permanent market.

As part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to the regeneration of Winsford Town Centre, the Council will also explore projects in the North-East corner of the town centre, where there are currently vacant and underutilised buildings. There is also a future ambition to seek additional investment for Winsford Library following the recent replacement of its roof; to improve people’s experience and potentially integrate other services within it.

The Council continues to support the growing arts, creative and cultural offer in Winsford. The From the Earth to the Stars art trail is currently taking place in the town until the end of September. The trail features the work of artists who have been working with children and young people from local schools and groups to create new artworks that celebrate Winsford.

The main elements of the construction work on the first phase of the Council led £22 million regeneration of Winsford town centre is now complete. The regeneration has boosted the local economy, with Costa Coffee and B&M joining other businesses including Peacocks, Greggs, Nationwide, MyDentist, Caprinos, Hollie&Co., Tur&Co. and Specsavers in relocating to new units in the town centre. Including construction, the project has created over 70 jobs so far.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: “Winsford Market is at the heart of the community, and I am pleased to be bringing forward plans to transform it for the better and deliver the market that traders and the public have asked for. Thank you to the traders for working with Cheshire West & Chester Council to develop these plans, they will bring significant investment to the market, secure its future in the current building and deliver the step change that Winsford Market needs.

“The first phase of regeneration works have already been fantastic for Winsford, and the transformation of Winsford Market will be the cherry on top. After years of false starts and the town being let down by private owners, it is Cheshire West & Chester Council who have delivered on their promise to create a town centre that Winsford can be proud of.

“Public shopping habits have changed, meaning town centres must change with them – it’s why the Council purchased the town centre in 2018, and why it has invested £22.5m in the first phase of works, the biggest investment in the town centre since the 1960s.”

Visit the website for more information on the Council’s regeneration of Winsford town centre.