Cineworld confirms Warrington opening
Muse Developments and Warrington Council have completed the deal with Cineworld to open a site in the centre of Warrington as part of the Bridge Street Quarter regeneration scheme.
When the cinema opens in 2019, Cineworld will be the anchor tenant of the 300,000 sq ft retail and leisure-led Bridge Street development and will provide Warrington with a 13-screen, 2,500 seat, multiplex cinema.
When complete, the £107m project will comprise the 45,500 sq ft cinema, a new 42,000 sq ft market hall, several family restaurants, a new 1,100 space multi-storey car park, new council offices, retail units and a public square.
Cllr Terry O’Neill, leader Warrington Council, said: “The signing of Cineworld is a major coup for Warrington town centre and is a huge stride forward for the Bridge Street regeneration scheme. The offer to the public is fantastic and we are thrilled that Cineworld have chosen to open in Warrington. Their decision demonstrates the appeal of Warrington as a location and the confidence that leading names within the retail and leisure industry have in the town.”
The cinema will be designed by Manchester-based architects Leach Rhodes Walker.
The Bridge Street Scheme started on site earlier this year with the demolition of the former Time Square area adjacent to the Warrington Market hall. Warrington Market will continue to trade and is an important and integral part of the Bridge Street regeneration project.
The first element of the Bridge Street Quarter Regeneration Scheme to be built in 2016 is a retail structure that will become a temporary market hall on the site of what is currently Time Square. The market will move into this temporary location in early 2017 during the demolition period and whilst the new, permanent £10m market hall is being constructed. At no time will the market cease to trade. The new market building will open in 2019.
A new, 217-space temporary car-park will also be constructed on land between Bank Street, Academy Way and Academy Street to support the Bridge Street development. A planning application was submitted earlier this month.
Plans will shortly be submitted for approval to construct the new 1,100 space, multi-storey car park that will support entire Bridge Street scheme.
Well done Warrington! Bridge Street has real potential as a leisure destination. This will enhance Warrington town centre’s connectivity with the river Mersey. Riverside towns have an advantage as people love to be by the water.
By Paul Blackburn (Chester)