Green light for transformation of Winsford Market
Plans for a £1m investment approved
Plans for a £1m investment to transform Winsford Market as part of the ongoing regeneration of the town centre have been approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet. The Market improvement works are expected 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 plans will see the Market remain in its current location and be refurbished with increased trading days to 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, and an improved entrance that will increase visibility and encourage 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 in the town centre has already helped to increase 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 are 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.
The Council is committed to investing in Winsford and this follows on from other investments made in the town, including at Winsford Industrial Estate, a £1 million upgrade of Town Park, £2.5 million of improvements to the A54/Dene Drive Junction, and the £20 million Winsford Academy.
Mark Edwards of Triple J Records & Music at Winsford Market, said: “As a trader of eight years in Winsford Market, I am very pleased that the Market will remain in place with a refurbishment and increased trading days. I am confident this will attract more customers and traders, making the future very bright for the Market.”
Claire Dore from Claire’s Spanish Cleaning Products at Winsford Market, said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing the positive changes and Market improvements which will hopefully bring in more customers for all of the traders including myself. It's a comforting feeling being part of a traditional historic market, the future of Winsford is looking bright."
Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: “Winsford Market is at the heart of the community and investment in it has been a long time coming. It’s great to hear the enthusiasm of traders about the green light for the plans – they will be the step change that Winsford Market needs, transform it for the better and secure its future.
“The first phase of regeneration works has already been fantastic for Winsford, and the transformation of Winsford Market is going to be the icing on the cake. After years of false starts, the town being let down by private owners and people talking down the market and town centre, it is Cheshire West & Chester Council who have delivered on their promise to create a market and 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.”
For more information on the Council’s regeneration of Winsford town centre.