CWAC sets out £200m Winsford vision
Cheshire West & Chester Council has outlined a package of development opportunities in Winsford valued at £200m.
Detailed plans for the Winsford regeneration programme will be drawn up over the next two years with £3.5m from the councils’ capital programme.
The council is working with MAR Properties, owner of Winsford Cross Shopping Centre to revitalise the centre by providing larger and more flexible units, an improved market and increased community uses.
On the housing front, the Verdin Exchange, business premises, and Phoenix Depot are among the key sites owned by the council that could provide new housing, helping to bring greater vitality and life into the town centre.
More than 300 new homes could be developed in these two sites, of which half would be starter homes, the council said, designed to attract young people and families.
Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “This ambitious programme is completely in line with the aims of the nationally recognised Winsford Neighbourhood Plan. Our plans include new jobs and improved leisure facilities for residents plus new homes while also helping tackle inequality and making Winsford a place where everyone can really thrive.
“Any future development will only be implemented after full consultation with the people of Winsford. Residents have my assurance that this will be done with them, not to them.”
The Council is working with development partner PSP to develop land next to the A54 and River Weaver as part of a wider waterfront leisure and recreation area that will include pub, restaurants, boating, walking and cycling.
Working with the town council, plans are being developed to reinforce Town Park and High Street to link with the waterfront and the wider Weaver Valley.
The Neighbourhood Plan identifies 30ha of employment land at Winsford 1-5 industrial estate. When completed the site could provide more than 1 million square feet of employment floor space, creating approximately 2,000 jobs and attracting up to £90 million investment.
A comprehensive transport strategy was also produced as part of the Neighbourhood Plan. Initial priorities to be commissioned between now and 2018 include better town centre parking, taxi rank facilities, improved bus services and support to reopen Middlewich rail station.
Nexus Planning advised on the creation of the plan.
