MORE details are emerging of how Warrington’s Cockhedge shopping centre will look after it undergoes a major revamp.
And it appears applicants Cockhedge Property are aiming to reshape the whole character of the centre as a key town centre destination for shoppers.
An application for full planning permission for the partial demolition of the retail mall and the removal of the pedestrian bridge over Scotland Road has been submitted to Warrington Borough Council.
The application, includes the creation of new east and west entrances to the development, reconfiguration of retail units, refurbishment of some units, temporary landscaping and relocation of some car parking.
It stresses that a separate planning consent proposing the redevelopment of the western part of the existing shopping centre and the former New Town House and Quatro buildings – already demolished – has already been approved.
The main permission has been granted in outline and illustrates potential future works along the western portion of the site.
It is subject to the applicants and landowners first entering into a legal agreement – and the application notes that this in the process of being prepared by the council.
The aim is to enable the continued operation of the Cockhedge Shopping Centre and the application seeks permission for the early demolition of some of the existing buildings.
The proposals include a number of key design principles to improve the continued function of the shopping centre, to visually enhance existing buildings to improve the character of the centre, to rebrand existing entrances to the existing mall, the landscaping of pedestrian routes to provide an attractive mix and hard and soft landscaped features and the relocation of some car parking.
Separate to, but associated with the application, will be the proposed stopping up of Cockhedge Way from Scotland Road through to Orford Street to facilitate the future works.
The proposals will now be considered by borough council planners.
Pictures: How the redeveloped centre will look.
