Market plans clear final hurdle

THE controversial plans for a temporary market building in Warrington town centre have cleared the necessary planning hurdles – at the second time of asking.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee – who earlier had put off a decision because they were not happy with the proposals – have now given the go-ahead.
Originally they had described the proposals as “bland and uninspiring.”
But revised proposals have been found acceptable.
The plan is for the temporary building to be used as a market hall while the existing market is demolished and re-built – a period of about two years.
The development – on land bounded by Academy Street, Academy Way, Bank Street, Moulders Lane, Bridge Street, Union Street and Horrocks Lane – will then be converted and sub-divided into sections for a range of uses including retail, financial and professional services, restaurants, library and leisure.
It will then remain as an important permanent feature in the re-developed area at the rear of Bridge Street.
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.
The site will be investigated to ensure important remains are not lost.