WORK has now begun on the £21m redevelopment of Winsford town centre, with the project scheduled for completion in 2024.

Cheshire West and Chester's planning committee rubber-stamped the huge regeneration project in April, which will involve demolishing Queen’s Parade and Fountains Court and replacing them with modern stores and restaurants, a drive-to/through Costa Coffee store and new car parking.

The boulevard will be a landscaped and tree-lined avenue developed for cyclists and pedestrians, offering a clear route linking the crossing points on the High Street, bus stops, taxi rank, the existing underpass, and the shops and restaurants.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, chairman of the Cheshire West and Chester Council Winsford Regeneration Member Working Group, said preliminary work had now begun, with the next milestones being the announcement of the appointed contractors and publication of a construction timetable.

He said: "It's an exciting time and behind-the-scenes work is already underway to prepare the site for construction, with retailers moving locations ahead of building work starting."

“Businesses have confidence in Winsford and the redevelopment plans. In addition to recently opened stores including mydentist, The Coffee House, Specsavers and Caprinos Pizza, it’s also been announced that B&M and Costa will be moving into new units built as part of the redevelopment.”

The council said the war memorials will also be 'sensitively relocated' from their existing location and grouped together in a new town square alongside other civic assets such as the library.

Cllr Pardoe added: "Despite the economic headwinds, the council is working hard to appoint contractors and finalise pricing, with the redeveloped town centre expected to open in 2024.

"Projects elsewhere in the country are at risk of indefinite delays or cancellation but Cheshire West Labour remains committed to Winsford and will deliver a town centre we can be proud of."

"I'm grateful that Cheshire West and Chester Council is redeveloping our town centre, backed by successive Labour administrations who believe in a brighter future for Winsford and have provided the majority of the funding.

"These plans will transform our town centre into a destination for families from Winsford and across the borough."