Plans to breathe new life into Cockhedge Shopping Centre with 900 new homes approved

PLANS to breathe new life into Warrington’s Cockhedge Centre by demolishing 16 retail units, unlocking land for 900 new homes have been given the green light.

Town centre regeneration specialist, Altered Space, has received approval for its plans submitted in January 2023, that  aims to breathe vital new life into this popular retail destination, creating employment opportunities and increasing footfall. The development aims to attract new retailer, leisure, food and beverage operators.
In line with a larger Greater Cockhedge Master Plan approved in August 2022, Altered Space intends to create a more accessible and visually appealing shopping centre through this stage of redevelopment. The plan includes downsizing the shopping centre by demolishing 16 retail units and removing the pedestrian bridge over Scotland Road, resulting in a downsized yet enhanced commercial offering.

Michael Brown, Managing Director at Altered Space, expressed his hopes for Cockhedge, stating: “The approval of our planning application enables us to contribute to the potential of Cockhedge and foster the growth of Warrington’s economy. Alongside the retail developments, the project will unlock the Residential Development footprint fronting Scotland Road, capable of delivering 900 new homes for Warrington Town Centre and improve pedestrian links to the town centre.”
As part of the revitalisation, this stage of the project will introduce new and improved external entrances at each end of the mall, along with four new external-facing units, creating a more aesthetically pleasing space. Additionally, Altered Space will enhance the visitor experience by developing quality public realm areas on each side of the mall, featuring both soft and hard landscaping.

This detailed development of Cockhedge Shopping Centre is part of a larger two-phase regeneration scheme by Altered Space. The urban regeneration developer is working in collaboration with planning consultant Lichfields, Like Architects and Park Hood Chartered Landscape Architects on this transformative project. The regeneration efforts are expected to have a significant impact on Warrington’s economic growth.
Leading Liverpool-based property services and construction company The Momentum Group, whose clients include well known retail destinations including Grosvenor’s Liverpool ONE and Queensberry’s Metquarter in Liverpool, have been appointed as project managers, cost consultants and retail delivery managers for the Cockhedge redevelopment project.

Chris Renshaw, co-founder and director, said: “Success in unlocking the regeneration of this historic and important site is a big prize for Warrington. We are very much looking forward to bringing our expertise and experience in retail design and delivery to help create a vibrant and sustainable destination for shoppers and residents which will be enjoyed by many for years to come.”
Altered Space is also leading successful urban regeneration projects in other areas of the North West. Its multiphase redevelopment of Stanley Square, Sale, has encouraged numerous retailers and businesses to move to the location over the past three years. Sale has now been named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2023, with the redevelopment of Stanley Square led by Altered Space highlighted by the judges as one of the reasons for its win.

Mark Rebbeck, director at Altered Space, shared his outlook on successful Urban Regeneration: “As well as building the physical environment, prioritising the community rather than focusing completely on profit is key to our redevelopments. A people-first approach will be fundamental to our redevelopment in Warrington. This will ensure that a commercial asset which meets the wants and needs of locals is created.”
The redevelopment of Cockhedge shopping centre aims to have similar success to Stanley Square by growing the local economy and creating a more vibrant space. In line with Greater Cockhedge Master plan, and through further capital investment in the scheme, the development will positively impact the local economy of Warrington.