TWO major planning applications which will change the face of Warrington’s northern “gateway” are to come before the borough council’s development management committee next week.
The two linked plans, submitted by Derwent Holdings Ltd, involve the partial demolition of the former Fiat warehouse, off the A49 Winwick Road, to make way for new industrial and research and development units, and the adjoining Alban Retail Park, where five new retail units and a restaurant are planned.
Redevelopment of the Fiat site could result in 500 new jobs being created, according to planners.
The Alban Retail Park scheme is clearly in conflict with the borough’s Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and could pose a significant threat to the vitality and viability of the town centre – including the proposed new Bridge Street redevelopment, say the planners.
But officers are, nevertheless, recommending the scheme be approved, on the grounds that the site already competes with the town centre.
In addition, the development will help secure the viability of the Fiat site scheme.
A planning department spokesman said: “The project represents a rare – and possibly unique – opportunity to begin the environmental and visual transformation of a large site within the Winwick Road corridor.”
Picture: The Alban Retail Park
