Winsford scales back £20m town centre regeneration
Cheshire West and Chester Council has revisited the scope of its plans for the redevelopment of Winsford Cross Shopping Centre due to soaring construction costs.
The local authority must provide an additional £500,000 in capital funding in order to deliver its proposed scheme.
Original plans included the creation of three units totalling 6,000 sq ft next to the shopping centre. The existing units will be demolished, however the area will now be reserved as green space to be used for events and pop-up activities.
The council said in a statement: “Whilst saving costs this also removes the risk of letting units in what is a challenging market for food and beverage uses.
“This will create a larger area of public realm, which can be animated for events and visiting attractions.”
Kier Construction is working with CWAC to redevelop the plans for Winsford Town Centre.
Plans for the creation of two retail units, totalling 26,000 sq ft and an 8,000 sq ft garden centre, remain.
A 1,800 sq ft drive-thru Costa will also be built on the vacant land off Dene Drive.
The council also has outline planning permission for the creation of an 8,200 sq ft community centre.
CWAC is funding most of the £20m project itself, having acquired the site in 2018.
The council was also awarded a £10m investment from the government’s £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund in January.
- READ MORE: Levelling Up Fund: North West secures £355m
Further funding has been allocated by the council to ensure that delivery can be achieved in increasingly challenging market conditions.
CWAC hopes to have the construction contract in place by March 2024, with work starting on site as soon as possible.
This isn’t a town centre this is a car park
By Anonymous
Hardly a regeneration project – it looks like 90% car park…
By Anonymous
A retail park classes as a town centre?
By How depressing
A big welcome back to the 20th Century for this degeneration project.
By Active Travel Trev
Exciting development which will hopefully lead to a wider regen project..
By TSB
Thought it was new Fords of Winsford at first glance
By Anonymous
We’re on the road to nowhere. Costa looks huge though, it’ll draw people for miles! Along with KFC opposite Mcr, getting to Morrison’s for a shop will be a thrill. Appalling plans CWAC & Winsford Council!
By Mr Winsford Resident.
Looks like we will still have to travel to buy anything that isn’t edible. More community space and more seating areas .we’re only missing a pound bakery and the town will be full of new business.no doubt there will be a charge for parking.
By Anonymous
Embarrassing to tell people your from winsford best thing about it is the road out of it
By Anonymous