Developer could be sought for Northwich’s Weaver Square revamp
Work is expected to start in 2026 if Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet gives the green light to move forward with the project.
Councillors meet next Wednesday, 31 July, to consider whether to start searching for a development partner for Weaver Square, and to approve relocating Northwich Market to Barons Quay.
The scheme could deliver upwards of 100 homes in the heart of the town centre, according to the report to councillors for next week’s meeting.
Guided by the Northwich Development Framework, empty shops and buildings would be replaced with a mixed-use development featuring homes, public spaces, and supporting infrastructure.
Services based within the Northwich Information Centre will also be moved within the town centre before work starts in Weaver Square.
Northwich Market would be moved to currently vacant corner units opposite H&M at Barons Quay.
This would allow for a modern market including an alfresco area, traditional market stalls, and food and drink options to be developed.
The report to councillors adds that the cost of the procurement process, relocating the market and information centre, and creating a vacant site is estimated to be £2.6m.
Although CWAC will look to secure private sector and external funding, from Homes England for example, it is expected that future phases of the project will need council financial support.
If the recommendation is approved by the cabinet, the authority will move to bring in an experienced development partner, designs will be drawn up and consultation with town centre stakeholders will take place.
The council says it will set a brief for Weaver Square and work with the chosen partner to secure a high-quality scheme while keeping an ‘element of control’ over the final development.
The timeframe for delivery of the project is for the council to select its delivery partner by the spring, with a report to the cabinet for approval in early summer 2025 before entering the pre-development agreement. Relocation of the market could happen during the same summer,
Cllr Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation, said: “The plans for Weaver Square will continue the transformation of Northwich town centre, demonstrating that Cheshire West and Chester Council is committed to regenerating town centres across the borough. They will create a new residential community living in the town, supporting the businesses trading there.
“There’s good news about Northwich Market as well, which will relocate to Barons Quay to become a new market fit for the future. As a modern yet traditional market, it will help traders to thrive and attract new visitors to Northwich, and the council is working with traders to make the plans a success.”
“The council is proud of its markets, and these ambitious plans are part of the work it is doing to transform the borough’s other markets in Ellesmere Port and Winsford following the success of Chester Market.”
You can read the report to the cabinet for next week’s cabinet meeting in full on the council’s website here.
