Mr Smith’s site to become Winter Wonderland

THE former Mr Smith’s site is set to be transformed into a Winter Wonderland during the Christmas and New Year period.

Warrington based family Silcock’s will be coming back to their roots with a temporary fairground on the site of the former nightclub and Ritz/ABC cinema, which was demolished following a blaze earlier this year.

Fairground owner Arthur Silcock explained: “We will be opening the weekend before the children break up for Christmas. We will be coming back to our roots as our first ever fairground was on the old potato market in the town centre.”

“There will be a variety of fairground rides, a father Christmas and a grotto. I am also looking at the possibility of setting up an ice rink.

“We’ve been operating fairs in and around Warrington for around 100 years now.

“This is a marvellous position and is being fully supported by the council as it will attract people into town for Christmas shopping.

“While there is nothing planned for the site our plan is to return each year.”

Mounds of hardcore have already been deposited on the site in preparation for the Winter Wonderland.

Deputy leader of the council Cllr Mike Hannon welcomed the initiative.

“This will be an excellent attraction over the Christmas period and bring more people into Warrington and help boost the local economy.”

A question mark still hangs over the future of the site which had been earmarked for a Youth Zone. While there has been talk a boutique hotel being located on the land, there is also a possibility it could be used for a housing development.

Simon Ashdown, director at LPC Living, said: “We are in the process of seeking out opportunities to redevelop the former Mr Smith’s site, and whilst this is on-going, we have been keen to ensure that this central location is utilised to benefit the community.

“As such, we are delighted to announce that the site is set to become a temporary host for a festive fairground for local families to enjoy in the lead up to Christmas.”