I spoke at Cheshire West Cabinet on Wednesday 31st July regarding their plans for Weaver Square in Northwich;
"I’m Charles Fifield and for the past 25 years I’ve worked as a Chartered Surveyor based at Gadbrook Park outside Northwich, specialising in Commercial Property. I would like to make the following points regarding the proposal:
1. A markets needs to be in a location that benefits from footfall, car parking and public transport e.g. buses and taxis – for it to work.
2. As such I am concerned the location of Baron’s Quay isn’t the right place, but if you are insistent on putting it there, please could I urge you to convert the “grassy knoll” between the Cinema and Baron's Quay into car parking for blue badge, taxis and a “turnaround spot” for small buses – a “shopper hopper” connecting the bus depot, the train station and Barons Quay - this would work to help increase the pedestrian flow through.
3. Better idea would be keep the ground floor of the residential development of Weaver Square as commercial, perhaps as market kiosks / independents / starter units, especially the Witton Walk section connecting BQ, town centre and Memorial Court.
4. Housing mix of Weaver Square would be best aimed at higher density starter units e.g. 1-2 bedroom for younger people to take advantage of location, in terms of public transport and leisure / nightlife. 1 of the last meeting I spoke at when I was a Councillor was a Scrutiny meeting when we looked at house numbers, whilst we have made a good start but 1 and 2 bedroomed properties were considerably lower.
5. Appendix 4 – equality assessment – I am pleased to see reference to both Peter Grimes who is an excellent officer and the Council’s Disability Access Forum (which was established a decade ago for consultation on precisely these matters). I would urge particular consideration on the market fit out – Chester’s new market is very good however its not quite right for wheelchair users – the walkways, especially in the communal dining area are difficult to manoeuvre around in a wheelchair when its busy.
6. Appendix 4 – Stakeholders – In addition to the stakeholders mentioned, I do think Northwich Businesses should be widened to include other Landowners and their Agents, given the need for some joined up thinking. Yesterday, Angela Rayner announced big planning changes to remove blockages in the planning system – I would also like to point out there are several other sites in Northwich which need the Council’s input / proactivity to move things alone (i.e. Winnington Street, Pumping Station and Bratts).
In conclusion, I would urge you to re-purpose the grassed area between the Cinema and Units 12/13 of Barons Quay (proposed new location of market so it can be used for Blue-Badge car parking, taxi rank and a turnaround circle for a shopper hopper) that could be the key to making it work"
Charles Fifield served as a Chester West Councillor for 12 years from 2011 to 2023, when he spoke frequently about regeneration.
