The Cockhedge Shopping Centre, located in Warrington, is on the brink of a significant transformation. Plans have been put forth to partially demolish the centre, specifically targeting the former Wilko unit to the north and other units towards the south, accounting for approximately 5,727m² of floorspace.

The planning application, which will be reviewed by the development management committee, also includes the removal of the pedestrian bridge over Scotland Road and the refurbishment and reconfiguration of the remaining shopping centre. This includes creating two new entrances on the east and west sides of the building and reconfiguring the vacant ‘Unit J’ into four retail units. Additionally, temporary car parking for Buzz Bingo and the installation of temporary landscaping and hoardings to the south of Buzz Bingo are part of the proposal.

The application is recommended for approval, with conditions, and the final decision will be delegated to the development manager after ensuring no additional material objections arise. In the long run, the site is part of a broader vision to revamp the Cockhedge Shopping Centre and the former New Town House site to the south. This vision includes the potential construction of up to 900 apartments.

The site, measuring 2.7 hectares, is currently occupied by Asda supermarket, other retail units at Cockhedge Shopping Centre, a bingo hall, a car park accessed from Scotland Road, and New Town House. The proposed redevelopment encompasses the demolition of 18 retail and cafe units and the bingo building. In its place, there’s a potential for up to 900 apartments, a hotel, and 21,000 square metres of Class E floorspace, along with open space provisions.

As of now, no developer has been attached to this promising development opportunity.