The Vision For Northwich
The significant development potential that will be released as a result of the mine stabilisation programme provides a unique opportunity to reposition Northwich as a key town within Cheshire and the North West, based around a powerful combination of a high quality market town offering quality shopping and public services and waterside visitor, leisure and residential developments.
Northwich, a "Vision" of the future
Many development industry experts believe the renaissance of the former salt mining town of Northwich, Cheshire will be the next big investment and regeneration opportunity to happen in the North West.
The Northwich Regeneration Partnership comprises of eight influential regional and national bodies; English Partnerships, North West Development Agency, Vale Royal Borough Council, Cheshire County Council, Environment Agency, British Waterways, Visit Chester & Cheshire and the Learning & Skills Council.
The partnership will deliver the Northwich Vision, a 15-20 year regeneration framework that includes urban design guidance, 18 design briefs covering a range of key development sites and a strategy for integrated transportation and will be the vehicle that delivers this ambitious renaissance.
The Northwich Vision regeneration framework was prepared by consultants Building Design Partnership, Jones Lang LaSalle and MVA, was unveiled in November 2004, and work has already started on a number of areas.
Creating quality places, both public and retail, is at the heart of the Northwich Vision. The regeneration plan includes proposals to embrace the two rivers running through the town, the Weaver and the Dane, by creating a mixed-use waterfront activity. The waterfront area would include retail outlets, bars and restaurants. This would clearly increase Northwich’s tourist appeal and develop the town as a premier leisure destination in Cheshire, both of which are key goals of the regeneration plan and would put Vale Royal on the map.
A residential community living in and around the town centre will create a livelier town centre during the evening as well as the daytime and the development of 1000 new homes is planned to house the community. Two new retail areas are proposed to expand and strengthen the towns existing retail area, with a bulky goods retail area also planned for the northern end of the town.
The heart of the town will be a newly designed market square; the existing square will be updated to create a space that could host events, festivals and exhibitions, increasing visitors to the town on non-market days. Businesses will be encouraged to relocate to the town to work in new purpose built office developments and it is hoped high street chains will open retail outlets in the new town centre.
The major investment opportunity is the 30-acre Baron's Quay site, predominantly owned by Vale Royal Borough Council. A mixed-use development will be built on this site, comprising of residential, leisure, retail, offices and a new cultural centre. The Northwich Partners have ambitions that the cultural centre will be an iconic building symbolising the renaissance of the town.
Andy Evans, Head of Economic and Regeneration Services for Vale Royal Borough Council believes this venture represents an exciting opportunity for investors, he explained "The Northwich Vision regeneration framework offers plenty of opportunities for investors who are future thinking and excited by the Partnerships plans to regenerate Northwich as a truly 21st Century town".
