Jobs hope for Northwich Marina development
H2O, the joint venture company between British Waterways and private developer bloc, has submitted plans to redevelop Northwich Marina in Cheshire.
The firm said that it had received “strong support” for a scheme which could create 230 jobs during a consultation exercise with local residents.
More than 750 members of the public attended a public exhibition and of the 170 who left comments, 82% offered full support while a further 14% expressed support with some reservations.
H20 plans a scheme that will invlde an 18,000 sq ft Waitrose foodstore and parking for town centre shoppers, improvements to waterways including 40 mooring berths for boats, new waterside restaurant and cafe facilities and a retirement village with 58 new homes and a restaurant designed for the elderly.
Richard Thomas, director of bloc and development manager for H2O, said: “These proposals will regenerate a long underused and mostly vacant site that has severe constraints to development.
“This is an opportunity to deliver a significant phase of the town’s regeneration plans in a relatively short timescale, as well as providing a potential catalyst for future phases of regeneration in Northwich.”
Mike Coates, British Waterways’ northern investment & development manager, said: “The proposed improvements to the waterways have received very strong support from residents and waterways users. The proposals will give public access to Northwich’s new waterfront and will enable us to maintain and enhance the waterways network for the benefit of all users.”
Geoff Hope-Terry, chair of Weaver Valley Partnership, said: “Northwich’s rivers are part of its unique heritage offering and these proposals will play a key part in transforming the town’s future.”
