Cabinet selects preferred development partner for Weaver Square regeneration scheme
VINCI UK Developments Ltd have been selected
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet has selected VINCI UK Developments Ltd as the Council’s preferred developer partner for the Weaver Square regeneration scheme in Northwich town centre.
The Council wants to create a new flagship residential community of over 100 homes in Northwich. This will replace empty shops and buildings built mostly in the 1960s which are no longer fit for purpose. In their place, will be modern, affordable and sustainable town centre homes, with public spaces and supporting infrastructure.
The Northwich Weaver Square scheme is a vital part of the Northwich Development Framework; building a new community will support existing businesses, help to attract new investment and give a welcome boost to the key retail areas of Witton Street, High Street and Barons Quay, as well as boosting the evening economy.
As part of the scheme, the current Northwich Market is being relocated to Barons Quay and is expected to open next year. The new market will provide a significantly improved experience for customers and traders alike with a wider choice of stalls and facilities. The proposed unit is currently vacant and occupies a key corner position within Barons Quay which will provide an ideal location for the new market.
Key to the Council’s ongoing programme of regeneration across the Borough is working with the public and private sectors to boost business, create jobs and deliver new housing bringing underused spaces back to life. This helps to make communities exciting places to live, work, learn and visit, whilst enhancing local pride in towns and city centre.
The developer has now been selected following a procurement exercise earlier this year. Delivery will be subcontracted by VINCI UK Developments Ltd to a Joint Venture between VINCI UK Developments Ltd and ION Property Developments Ltd.
VINCI UK Developments Ltd and ION Property Developments Ltd are well established development partners with a strong track record working collaboratively with local authorities.
A spokesperson for VINCI ION said: “The Weaver Square redevelopment is an opportunity to reimagine Northwich town centre and create generational change for local communities.
“This project can play a major role in unlocking the town’s potential by consolidating the town centre, creating a new residential district and providing much-needed additional quality housing to realise new, sustainable opportunities for those who live and work here.
“Having worked individually and collaboratively on urban regeneration schemes across the North West and beyond, VINCI ION are looking forward to supporting Cheshire West & Chester Council in this ambitious scheme.”
Jane Hough, Deputy Director for BIDs, including Northwich BID, at Groundwork, said: "It’s great to see another step forward in the exciting transformation of Weaver Square. The Northwich BID, along with the many businesses we represent, are genuinely looking forward to working closely with VINCI and ION to provide valuable local input to the co-production of the masterplans. The town has long anticipated the Council’s positive vision for the town centre as it has the potential to encourage more people to visit Northwich to drive footfall, strengthen the evening economy and connect more people to the amazing mix of local businesses that have their foundations here. We’re excited about what’s ahead.”
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: “The regeneration of Weaver Square will continue the transformation of Northwich Town Centre, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of Cheshire West & Chester Council to regenerating town centres across the Borough. It is a once in a generation opportunity to create a vibrant and sustainable residential-led neighbourhood at a key location in the heart of the town. Empty shops and buildings with be replaced with modern, affordable and sustainable homes which will support the businesses trading in Northwich.
“The Council cannot deliver its vision alone, and we look forward to a collaborative and productive relationship with VINCI UK Developments Ltd and ION Property Developments Ltd to help us to turn the ambitions Northwich residents have for Weaver Square into reality. VINCI and ION will work with the community to co-produce a masterplan, putting the aspirations of local people at the centre of the new development.”
For more information on Weaver Square, visit the Council website.