Council backs proposals for £20m redevelopment of Cheshire canal haven

H20's Northwich Marina scheme

H20’s Northwich Marina scheme

Proposals to redevelop the Northwich Marina with new shopping facilities, mooring space and an Extra Care housing scheme have been approved by Cheshire West & Chester council.

The authority this week granted planning permission for the £20m scheme from British Waterways joint venture H2O, which was drawn up by Fairhurst.

As part of the scheme, specialist retirement property developer McCarthy & Stone will create 58 Extra Care supported homes for the elderly, while Waitrose will build an 18,000 ft2 food store.

An additional 40 mooring berths will be added to Northwich Marina’s current capacity, along with new leisure and restaurant facilities.

H2O development manager Richard Thomas said the approved scheme would breathe new life into a “long under-used” site.

“We have had strong support from the local community and this is an opportunity to deliver a significant phase of the town’s regeneration plans,” he said.

“We also appreciate the way in which Cheshire West and Chester Council has worked with us to create a scheme which will bring a range of local benefits and look forward to finding an operator for the waterside restaurant.”