Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed on Tuesday, October 7, that it has acquired the lease of Northwich’s deteriorating Weaver Square Shopping Centre.
The council has moved swiftly to protect plans for the ongoing re-generation of a town facing a bright future generated by £140m-plus investment.
Built in the Sixties, Weaver Square has suffered from lack of investment – particularly since its former owners, the Knutsford-based Weaver Square Investments Ltd, ceased trading around two years ago.
Cllr Stuart Parker, executive member for culture and economy, said: “We are very much aware of local concerns over the condition of Weaver Square – particularly with a view to its strategically important position in the town centre.
“Baron’s Quay and Memorial Court will represent the new face of Northwich and we need to ensure that any future development will meet our aspirations and complement and enhance the exciting plans already under way.”
Weaver Square shopping centre is located near other land interests owned by CWAC, including the Market Hall, Victoria Club car park and the vacant Watling Street office building.
As owners of the freehold of the land, the council has now successfully negotiated with the receivers, Colliers International, for the formal surrender of the 99-year ground lease for Weaver Square.
The authority’s Estates Management team will become landlord to the 22 surviving tenants in a precinct now burdened with 21 empty units.
Cllr Sam Naylor, council member for Winnington and Castle, said: “I’m glad that the council has ended the uncertainty surrounding Weaver Square by taking the ownership initiative and look forward to hearing about future development plans in due course.
“I very much hope that CWaC will consult on its new vision for Weaver Square and that the result of that consultation reflects the wishes of those members of the public who have participated.”
Cheshire West and Chester Council will now begin a review of its longer term plans for Weaver Square and the adjoining properties looking at their strategic value in the regeneration of the town centre.
Cllr Parker said: “All current tenants will remain in the shopping centre under the terms of their current agreement and we will be talking to them, together with other stakeholders in the near future.
“Given that many of the units are currently empty, one of our aims will be to consider how we can improve this situation in the short term.”
