A hive of activity is continuing to revitalise a landmark retail building in Warrington town centre, with a further planning application put to borough council planners.
The scheme, submitted by NMT Entertainment Ltd, involves another part of the former Co-op store in Sankey Street – more recently occupied by TJ Hughes.
Although not Listed, the building is considered important in the history of the town centre as it was formerly the flagship store of the former Warrington Co-operative Society.
The applicants say the proposal is part of an ambitious project to revive and regenerate the building in a prominent central location, with an adjoining part of the building already being transformed into The Hive shopping mall – with anchor store, Black Sheep Coffee due to open in the new year.
It is anticipated that the ground floor of the building, most recently used as a supermarket, would be mostly occupied by retail shops in a vibrant “arcade style” format, with scope for food and drink outlets. Sport, recreational and fitness uses would be mainly at the lower, basement, level.
New shops are proposed along Sankey Street but the building would be serviced from the rear, off Egypt Street.
The applicants state: “The proposal will enliven the frontages of the property, generate significant employment opportunities, add to pedestrian flower and positively contribute to the attractiveness and vitality of the town centre.
“For the same reasons, the proposal would enhance the character and appearance of the Bridge Street Conservation Area, within which the site falls.”
Conversion of the upper part of the building is not part of the application, but in the longer term, the aim is to bring forward the second floor with separate access from Cairo Street.
“The assembly hall on the second floor will be retained as existing and its future will be considered as part of a future proposal.”
The applicants point out that the property shows signs of deterioration, inside and outside, and its “run down” appearance is pronounced when viewed from Sankey Street.
“The main features of architectural interest are now largely confined to the second storey, which include Portland stone dressings, cupola type towers at each corner and large pedimented round arched windows. This ornate detailing and the elaborate fenestration give the upper part of the application building a distinguished presence in the local townscape.”
Borough planning officers are now studying the proposals.
