Plans submitted for new temporary market

PLANS for the temporary market hall to be built in Warrington town centre while the existing market is demolished and re-built are to be submitted to the borough council’s development management committee next week.
The development will take place on land bounded by Academy Street, Academy Way, Bank Street, Moulders Lane, Bridge Street, Union Street and Horrocks Lane.
When the new permanent market – in the extended and refurbished Boots store fronting on to Bridge Street – the temporary building will be converted and sub-divided into sections for a range of uses including retail, financial and professional services, restaurants, library and leisure.
The building will be located at the junction of Bank Street and Horrocks Lane and will have a serving area separating it from the Grade 2 Listed Friends Meeting House and its walled garden.
Pedestrian access will be via Bank Street and this area will be upgraded as part of the first phase of proposed public realm improvements.
The first phase of development has been designed to allow the market to function and to provide an attractive environment while re-development proceeds elsewhere on the  wider site.
Planners say they have undertaken consultation with market traders to ensure the temporary building will meet their requirements.
Part of the development will occupy land where areas of archaeological interest have been identified – the site of an 18th century chapel and a part of Warrington’s 18th century academy. Conditions will be imposed to ensure the area is closely examined for important archaeological remains.
The proposals will be considered by the development management committee on Wednesday and officers are recommending they be approved.