Plans to redevelop Cockhedge shopping centre in Warrington have now been approved with the project being led by town centre regeneration specialists, Altered Space.

The project aims to breathe vital new life into this popular retail destination, creating employment opportunities and increasing footfall by attracting new retailers, leisure, and food and beverage operators.

Part of the wider £99m Greater Cockhedge Master Plan approved in August 2022, this stage of the project will introduce new and improved external entrances at each end of the mall. Additionally, the visitor experience will be enhanced by developing quality public realm areas on each side of the mall, featuring both soft and hard landscaping.

The plan includes downsizing the shopping centre by 25 per cent through the demolition of 16 retail units, totalling 63,000 sq ft and removing the pedestrian bridge over Scotland Road. To replace the demolished shops, the developer will reconfigure 7,000 sq ft to create four modern external facing units, creating a more aesthetically pleasing space, as well as reconfiguring space previously occupied by Argos into several new retail units.

Momentum Advise will manage all aspects of the work including demolitions, construction, project programming, costs and budget planning and tender and contractual arrangements, as well as the retail delivery.

Chris Renshaw, co-founder and director of The Momentum Group, said:

“Success in unlocking the regeneration of this historic and important site is a big prize for Warrington. We are very much looking forward to bringing our expertise and experience in retail design and delivery, which includes at Grosvenor’s Liverpool ONE and Queensberry’s Liverpool Metquarter, to help create a vibrant and sustainable destination for shoppers and residents which will be enjoyed by many for years to come.”

Michael Brown, Managing Director at Altered Space, said:

“The approval of our planning application enables us to contribute to the potential of Cockhedge and foster the growth of Warrington’s economy. Alongside the retail developments, the project will unlock the residential development footprint fronting Scotland Road, capable of delivering 900 new homes for Warrington Town Centre.

“Altered Space has enjoyed working with The Momentum Group on our exciting proposals for Cockhedge. We have been impressed by their professionalism, expertise and especially their pro-active approach to resolving issues that always crop up when dealing with existing buildings. The Momentum team’s personal approach to dealing with us as clients, existing tenants and members of the public will help to foster good relations throughout the redevelopment works.”

The redevelopment of Cockhedge Shopping Centre is part of a larger two-phase regeneration scheme by Altered Space, with the regeneration efforts expected to have a significant impact on Warrington’s economic growth.