A Golden future (From Warrington Guardian)

A Golden future

MULTI-MILLION pound plans to transform Warrington into one of the country's top shopping destinations get under way this month.

The modernisation programme will transform Golden Square and attract big name stores to the town, with Debenhams already signed up.

The exciting new shopping mall will stay on its original site but will double in size.

Legh Street car park is gradually being demolished and Golborne Street will be built over and disappear, as part of the plans.

Work to clear the site started last November and the main construction starts at the end of February. It is due to be completed by spring 2007.

There are already 80 retailers in the Golden Square including Marks & Spencer, BHS and Next.

When the new development is complete it will house 145 retailers.

The existing 30-year-old bus station on Golborne Street will be replaced with one on Midland Way by July.

There will also be a new car park off Midland Way with 1,700 spaces - an increase of 90 from its current 1,610.

A spokesman said: "While these changes may cause temporary inconvenience, the work is essential to ensure a brighter Golden Square and provide safer, cleaner parking. More than 1,000 new jobs will be created through construction and when the development is complete."

A leaflet complete with maps detailing where to find car parking most convenient to users is available from Legh Street car park and Golden Square shopping centre, or call the Golden Square helpline on 655118.

Shoppers can see the new plans for themselves.

An exhibition with information about the work is on show in the Golden Square, next to the bus station today, Thursday, from 10am-8pm; on Friday from 10am-5pm and on Saturday from 11am-4pm.

l Check out more pictures of the new development on our website

www.warringtonguardian.co.uk