TOWN planners have approved the final planning application for the £107m regeneration of Warrington’s town centre’s Time Square development.
The borough council’s planning committee has approved plans submitted by Muse Developments for two key, strategic buildings on Bridge Street and Dolmans Lane
The existing buildings, which are in poor condition, will now be demolished, paving the way for the construction of an attractive, modern development, consisting of almost 1,000 square metres of new restaurant, retail, café and office space.
The development of the buildings at the corner of Dolmans Lane and Bridge Street is an integral part of the Time Square project, creating a physical link between the ‘historic’ Bridge Street frontage and the new development, and providing a principle gateway into the new public square.
Council Leader, Terry O’Neill, (pictured) said: “I’m delighted that this final planning application has been approved. It’s now all systems go for delivering this fantastic scheme, which will transform Warrington town centre.
“The Time Square development will rejuvenate our retail, leisure and cultural offer. It will create jobs and attract new businesses. Best of all, it will further boost Warrington’s profile and confidence as a great place to live, work and visit.”
As part of the approval, the planning committee has requested a condition for a local employment scheme, maximising the local impact from the development (both demolition and construction), in terms of local jobs, contracts and supply chain opportunities.
The application site is located within the Bridge Street Conservation Area, which includes examples of 18th, 19th and 20th century commercial and ecclesiastical buildings.
The proposed scheme would respect the character and appearance of the Bridge Street conservation area, providing a contemporary development which complements and reflects the quality and traditional design of the historic, surrounding properties, including the Grade II listed Howard Buildings.
As part of the plans, environmental improvements would also be carried out, including tree planting, new seating and cycle parking.
2 Comments
Hardly likely that the council would reject this planning application considering it’s all pretty much their own plan anyway. The two building in question are quite new and box like (ok I meant bland and totally out of character and should never have been built) as they never looked like they fitted in there anyway so no great loss. Must admit I thought they had already approved the demolition of them anyway in the original plans. I HOPE the plaque on the wall of one of them which names Dolmans Lane along with short detail of why it was named that etc will be put back up as part of the new development. I will be very annoyed if if doesn’t !! 😉
…………”The proposed scheme would respect the character and appearance of the Bridge Street conservation area, providing a contemporary development which complements and reflects the quality and traditional design of the historic, surrounding properties, including the Grade II listed Howard Buildings.”
Who constructs these nonsensical sentences?
Obviously someone whose opinion clashes with that of CABE who have refused to support the town centre plans as they don’t respect the town’s historic character.
A final piece in the jigsaw or another nail in the coffin?