TOWN Hall bosses have selected a private sector development partner to carry out the multi-million £ redevelopment of the Bridge Street area of the town centre.
A private meeting of the borough council’s executive board decided to sign up with Muse Developments, a major national development company which has already carried out several schemes in the Warrington area, including the 
Gemini and Lingley Mere business parks.
The company will finance the purchase of the 30 per cent of the 15 acre site which the borough council does not already own, which will enable the scheme to proceed more quickly.
It is hoped a start could be made on the ground by 2013.
Cllr Terry O’Neill, (pictured) leader of the council, said: “I am very excited about this. We are determined to press on with the redevelopment of the town for the good of the residents.”
First phase of the work is likely to the provision of a new retail market, enable the existing market to be demolished, along with the Time Square shopping centre.
Consultation will start soon with the council’s partners, residents and other property occupiers.
Cllr O’Neill said that, in the meantime, action would start on a short-term plan to bring business back to lower and middle Bridge Street, which has suffered considerable decline in recent years.
A major consideration would be the future use of the former Boots store, which has stood empty for several years.
“These are exciting times for Warrington,” said Cllr O’Neill.
Muse Developments were chosen from a shortlist of five companies.
Proposals for the 15-acre site include, in addition to the new market, a mixed leisure scheme, cinema, restaurants, foodstore, hotel, shops, offices, parking and other town centre uses.
Time Square is already owned by the council, having been purchased in 2008 with a £6.2 million grant from the North West Development Agency.
1 Comment
Terry have you found the records of Bridge St – are they in the waste bin like everything else – you know we have to make space!!!!!!!