PLANNING chiefs are being asked to approve a change of use of part of Warrington’s showpiece Time Square development to allow more space for “drinking establishments.”
The changes involve the ground floor and mezzanine level of the Leisure Block building – which is still under construction.
It is bounded by Academy Way to the south, Academy Street to the wast, by the existing market hall to the west and the temporary market hall to the north.
The site was formerly occupied by the old Time Square development which has now been demolished.
A report to be considered by the borough council’s development management committee tonight (Wednesday) says it is proposed to include a greater proportion of the Leisure Block building floorspace for use as drinking establishments.
Full planning permission was approved for the building in April 2016 for a leisure and restaurant block as part of the Bridge Street Quarter scheme.
The building is in a Cumulative Impact Area which is designated to help prevent late night alcohol-related disorder and imposes control over the hours and days of use of premises such as restaurants and bars.
Officers say the drinking establishment use will add to the new hub of night-time economic activity and will be attractive to operators to who vibrancy and a high footfall is important.
Police do not oppose the changes, subject to licensing conditions and a 2am closing time for part of the building, a 1am closing time for the rest, installation of CCTV and membership of a Pubwatch scheme.
Opinion: https://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/2019/07/10/lets-avoid-trans…-new-time-square/
