WINSFORD Cross Shopping Centre has announced that demolition of part of the shopping centre will begin on Monday, and that ‘residential units’ could be part of the ‘regeneration’.

Demolition work at Winsford Cross Shopping Centre will begin next week on March 6, and the shopping centre managers say that it will mark the start of ambitious regeneration plans to improve and redevelop the shopping centre and surrounding area.

The initial work will see the Queens Parade area of the centre demolished, which is expected to take around 12 weeks.

The demolition work heralds the start of the regeneration of the site which will include a regenerated shopping centre with improved retail space for existing and new businesses; new food store on Dene Drive, refurbished market as well as the potential to deliver a new hotel and residential units on site.

Winsford Cross Developments Limited says it is currently in discussion with major retailers and is actively working with Cheshire West and Chester Council to ensure that this major regeneration can be brought forward for the benefit of residents and visitors to the town.

Winsford Cross Developments Limited will publish more information about its regeneration plans in the coming months.

Morgan McCandless, from Winsford Cross Developments Limited, said: “I’m delighted that the diggers are moving in and our exciting regeneration plans are taking a step forward.

“We know how important this regeneration is for the people of Winsford and the potential it has to bring more jobs, businesses and economic benefits to the local area.

“In the coming months we will outline our multi-million pound proposals for the comprehensive redevelopment of Winsford Cross, and give everyone in the town the chance to study our plans and comment on them.

“However, before we can deliver our regeneration plans, we need to demolish part of the existing Centre. I look forward to seeing Bagnall (UK) Limited, our demolition contractor, making quick progress in the coming weeks, and I’m very excited that soon we’ll be consulting with people across the town on our plans for the future.”

Winsford Cross Shopping Centre will remain operational throughout the demolition works, with retailers across the remaining parts of the centre continuing to trade.

Stewart Porter, centre manager at Winsford Cross Shopping Centre, added: “It’s great to see that the first steps are being taken towards a better Winsford Cross Shopping Centre, that everyone in the town can be proud of.

“I, along with all my colleagues at Winsford Cross Shopping Centre, will be working hard in the next few weeks to make sure our centre continues to serve the needs of local people, and we can’t wait to show off our plans for the future soon.”

The demolition programme will run for six days a week, Monday to Saturday.

Working hours will be 7.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 7.30am to 4pm on Saturdays.