AS work on the first part of the multi-million pound Bridge Street Quarter Project gets underway in Warrington town centre an iconic clock that has been a local landmark for years has been saved from demolition by local jewellers PJ Jewellers.
The “Time for Business“ clock has hung in Time Square since 1984 and over the years has become a recognisable local landmark. It was originally positioned in Bank Street as part of the Warrington Trading Standards office.
Rather than let it be destroyed, local business, PJ Jewellers – who started their business in the market from a small stall 15 years ago and are now a successful independent working jewellers in the market- have offered to renovate the clock ready for installation at their stall within the new temporary market when it opens.
The temporary market hall is set to open in two years’ time. Until then the market will remain fully trading within its existing home where it is business as usual. The temporary market hall will be operational from January 2017 until 2019 when the new permanent £10 million market hall will then open and utilise the fabulous Grade II listed frontage of the former Boots building as its Bridge Street entrance.
Warrington Borough Council is very keen to retain the heritage values associated with the market place and the town centre. Warrington Market itself has a very long local history and has been located within the town centre since the year 1255.
The Bridge Street Quarter Regeneration project is being delivered by Warrington & Co., on behalf of Warrington Borough Council with development partner Muse and will provide a new market hall, a multiplex cinema, a number of family friendly restaurants, a new council office building and will create a new public square.
Councillor Mike Hannon, Deputy Leader of Warrington Borough Council said: “Demolition works are soon to start to make way for the construction of a new temporary market and the clock is now definitely ticking as we enter this exciting stage of development. The existing market will remain fully open for business throughout this period and will offer many special deals for customers.
We are very keen to promote and support local businesses and would encourage all residents to ‘think local’ when shopping. Discover the wonders of market shopping”.
The progress of the clock renovation can be followed over the next few months as it is taken apart piece by piece ready for reconstruction with regular updates posted on the Warrington Market Facebook page.
Picture shows Alistair Walker from PJ Jewellers with the clock which is being restored.
