Weaver Square

As a vital part of the Northwich Development Framework, the proposal for Weaver Square is to replace empty shops and buildings, and deliver modern and affordable sustainable town centre living, as part of a mixed-use development with public spaces and supporting infrastructure.

These plans will bring additional footfall and spend into the heart of the town centre supporting its viability, whilst at the same time focusing the retail offer to support 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 support existing businesses, help to attract new investment, and give a welcomed 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 trading 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 development of Weaver Square is expected to start in 2026.

We are 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, we have committed to relocate and open a new modern market for Northwich traders and users as well as to move services out of the Northwich Information Centre.

We have ringfenced funding including the insurance monies from the fire at the old market to deliver a new modern market for Northwich in Barons Quay. The Council has already met with market traders and will continue to work closely with them to make the plans a success.

There are currently only two customer-facing services operating out of the Northwich Information Centre building; our Customer Assistant point and Shop Mobility, a non-statutory external service commissioned by the Council. A new town centre location for the Customer Assistance point will be found that will continue to be fully accessible to customers. The Shop Mobility service is being re-commissioned, and the new model means the Northwich Information Centre can be vacated. Further information on the new offer for both services will be provided when plans are finalised.