Weaver Square

As a vital part of the Northwich Development Framework, the proposal for Weaver Square is to demolish empty shops and buildings no longer fit for purpose and deliver new modern and affordable sustainable town centre living, as part of a mixed-use development with public spaces and supporting infrastructure. We will also relocate the current Northwich Market to the Barons Quay shopping centre as part of the Weaver Square regeneration scheme.

These plans will bring additional footfall and spend into the heart of the town centre supporting its viability, whilst at the same time refocusing the retail offer around the traditional shopping area of Witton Street and High Street and the modern retail and leisure development at Barons Quay. It is hoped that the new residential community will increase town centre footfall, support existing businesses, help to attract new investment, and give a welcome boost to the evening economy.

We cannot deliver on this vision alone and will be procuring an experienced development partner who will work with the Council and key stakeholders to deliver positive changes for Northwich.

Progress to Date

Northwich Development Framework

The Northwich Development Framework was endorsed by Cabinet in November 2023. This sets out the vision for Northwich Town Centre, and key design considerations for the redevelopment of Weaver Square. It ensures that future development in Weaver Square will integrate into the wider town centre and will support any future external funding applications. The Northwich Development Framework also supports the delivery of a new modern indoor market in Barons Quay with an al fresco area to act as a key anchor for the development and to draw footfall down towards the river and through Barons Quay.

Site Investigations

Site Investigations across the site were completed between May 2023 and December 2023 to understand more about the current ground conditions before any potential future building works can begin.

Buildings at Weaver Square are currently lightweight, low-rise and many are vacant and past their useful life. There was a need to understand more about how much weight the ground will be able to sustain to inform what type of development can take place at the site.

The Site Investigation report has now been received by the Council and whilst there would appear to be some legacy issues that require further expert assessment and remediation, the site has significant potential.

Current projects

Development Partner

Following Cabinet approval on 31 July 2024, a decision has now been made to progress with the appointment of a development partner for the Weaver Square site. The development partner will need to demonstrate a solid understanding of the opportunities in Northwich, a good track record in local authority partnering, development expertise and strong financial standing to form a long-term collaborative relationship with the Council to deliver the best outcome for the site.

Securing a development partner will enable the Council to finalise the brief for Weaver Square, and to work with the partner to secure a high-quality regeneration scheme, whilst keeping an element of control over the final scheme. The appointment of a development partner is expected to be finalised in Spring 2025 and work on site is expected to start in 2026, subject to planning permission being secured.

The Council is fully committed to engaging with residents and key town centre stakeholders over the designs at each stage of the development process.

Northwich Market

There are several interdependencies within the Weaver Square project and in committing to move forward with this exciting scheme, the Council has committed to open a new modern market for Northwich in Barons Quay.

This will be the biggest investment in Northwich Market since 1960s and the new market will benefit from around £1.8 million in investment. This will include bespoke designed fixtures and facilities to provide a significantly improved experience for customers and traders whilst complementing the existing retailers, leisure and food and drink options already in Barons Quay. Units 12/13 of Barons Quay are currently vacant and occupy a key corner location which will provide an ideal location for the new market.

The Council is working with existing traders to offer space for them in the new market to provide continuity and bring in new traders to ensure the market can expand and thrive in its new location.

The current programme shows the expected opening of the new market during 2026.

Northwich Information Centre

The Northwich Information Centre is now closed to enable the progression of Weaver Square project.

The Resident Assistant Point has been successfully relocated to Northwich Memorial Court. Signage has been arranged to re-direct customers from the Weaver Square location to Northwich Memorial Court, display opening hours at Northwich Memorial Court and branding for the new location.

The move to the new location in Northwich Memorial Court will provide customers with a welcoming space within their local community. Customers currently visit the Northwich Resident Assistance Point to access services such as Blue Badges, Concessionary Travel, Housing, Benefits and Council Tax. Opening hours will remain the same. More information can be found on our Memorial Court page.