CWAC approves Northwich regeneration vision
A new market, riverside boardwalks, and water taxis are all part of the authority’s proposals for the town centre.
Cheshire West and Chester Council approved the Northwich Development Framework at its cabinet meeting yesterday in an effort to ensure that future development proposals and investment decisions are made to complement and benefit the town.
The document sets out a joined-up vision for regeneration and the future growth of Northwich over the next decade and beyond, focusing on the design aspect of five specific areas of the town – Barons Quay Riverside, Lower Witton Street and Weaver Way, Upper Witton Street, The Bullring, and Weaver Square.
Drawn up by Planit, the framework earmarks nine key project and opportunity sites for future development within the town centre.
The largest of these plots is Barons Quay at the edge of the River Weaver. The vision for the area includes an enhanced water experience with a new riverside walkway and water taxis, while a modern health facility and flexible office space could occupy vacant waterside units.
Weaver Square is another key site recognised for improvements, with the creation of a new residential-led development anchored by open space outlined.
The square remains mostly vacant since it lost its market due to a fire in 2020, “creating unattractive streets”, according to the document. A new market is proposed to be built in order to emphasise Northwich as a historic market town.
Other sites primed for redevelopment include Winnington Hill, Tabley Street, London Road, Victoria Bridge, and the Old Dairy site.
Cllr Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration, and digital transformation, said: “The Northwich Development Framework sets out a bold and ambitious vision for the future of Northwich.
“It aims to make the best of the assets that the town has, including a fantastic heritage and waterfront area, and suggests how the town can be developed.”
A comprehensive landscape and open space strategy underpins the whole framework. The strategy will improve access to the river, while also creating greater connections to Carey Park, the River Weaver, and The Flashes.
Improved movement and connectivity are also integrated into the plan, with better links from the train station proposed, as well as enhanced cycle and walking connections in the town centre.
Andy Roberts, urban design director at Planit highlighted that the framework understands what aspects of Northwich are working well and where improvements could be made.
“Improved connectivity north and south and to the River Weaver will help to create positive impacts and greater footfall across the town, benefitting residents and retailers”, he said.
“This framework will provide the opportunity to deliver overall health and wellbeing of people in Northwich, while also helping to generate major boons to biodiversity and maintaining an active and thriving community in the town.”
CWAC appointed Planit, along with Civic Engineers, as partners on the development framework last August.
