Cultural Centre - Preferred Design

A judging panel spent all day on Friday, 20 March 2009 debating the merits of the five finalists, eventually choosing the Salt Market as its favourite.

Members of the public flocked to take a look at the shortlisted designs as they toured Northwich in a road show and all of their comments were taken into consideration by the judges.

The winning design by DLA Architecture, was the one that was given the most positive comments by the public, as well as being the judges' favourite.

The inspiration for the design was to take the idea of a medieval meeting place and reinvent it as a transparent and animated space where people can come together to meet, eat, drink, shop, relax, learn and be inspired.

The building is timber framed with white render walls that are inspired by Tudor form. It is designed to be constructed from locally sourced materials and to meet the highest requirements of environmental sustainability.

DLA Architecture has offices in Manchester, Wakefield and London and has more than 30 years experience in delivering cultural, education and regeneration projects across the UK.

The cultural centre, which is planned for a site by the River Weaver in the Baron's Quay area, will provide space for community activities as well as galleries, performance and tourist information.

This preferred design, which can be viewed during April 2009 at the Information Centre, Northwich, is now being passed forward to the Cheshire West and Chester Council as part of the Baron's Quay redevelopment area.