CWAC sets out timeline for Winsford overhaul

Cheshire West & Chester Council hopes to secure consent this autumn and start on site early in 2022 on the town centre’s redevelopment, as it seeks input to shape the final designs.

CWAC, which bought Winsford’s shopping centre in February 2018, secured £9.98m from the Future High Streets Fund last December.

The local authority itself, which paid around £20m for the Winsford Cross retail centre and other plots in the area, has committed £11m to the project.

CWAC said that with designs at an early stage, it is opening a further round of consultation on “what a new town square should offer, what type of public events should be held, what a new community building should provide, and what improvements should be made to parking and transport”.

The regeneration area’s boundary extends from the A54 to the north around the existing library and Dingle Centre, including Queens Parade and Fountain Court. The existing market site nd Asda form the southern boundary and the under construction Aldi on Dene Drive the western edge.

Proposals include:

• A drive-through café fronting the A54
• A large new retail unit to the east where Queens Parade is currently
• A Winsford Social Hub for community use, possibly also including a relocated market and library
• A public transport hub
• Enhancements to public spaces, including a Library Plaza
• Cycle storage; and better pedestrian facilities including crossings and path lighting.

Cllr Richard Beacham, cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy & regeneration, said: “The Council bought Winsford Cross shopping centre because we wanted to improve it.  We are now in the financial position to start work.

“We plan to deliver a more appropriate mix of retail and other culture and leisure uses, which will help the town centre recover and thrive in the post-pandemic era.

“We want to understand residents’ views and perceptions on the proposals for Winsford town centre and find out what improvements are important to local people and businesses. We hope everyone who has a connection to Winsford gets involved and offers their views.

“The information and ideas we receive will help us put our final masterplan together before we submit a planning application.”

Consultation opened this week and runs until 18 July.

• Hear more from Cheshire West & Chester Council at the Cheshire Development Update on 24 June