Market hall plans held up

PLANS for the temporary market hall to be built in Warrington town centre have been held up – because councillors don’t like them.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee deferred a decision on the proposals – submitted by the council’s own planning department – after several councillors criticised them for being “bland and uninspiring.”
The plan is for the temporary building to be used as a market hall while the existing market is demolished and re-built.
But the development – on land bounded by Academy Street, Academy Way, Bank Street, Moulders Lane, Bridge Street, Union Street and Horrocks Lane – would then be converted and sub-divided into sections for a range of uses including retail, financial and professional services, restaurants, library and leisure.
It would then remain as an important permanent feature in the re-developed area at the rear of Bridge Street.
But councillors said they were unhappy with the appearance of the building and its service area.
Officers had consulted market traders about the proposals to ensure it would meet their requirements for a temporary period.
Part of the development will occupy land where areas of archaeological interest have been identified – the site of an 18th century chapel and a part of Warrington’s 18th century academy. Conditions will be necessary to ensure the area is closely examined for important archaeological remains.
Officers will now have to bring back amended proposals to a future meeting of the committee – but the deferment will delay proposals for the wider Bridge Street area.