PLANS for the £52 million rebuilding of Bridge Street have taken another step forward.

Warrington Borough Council has announced a new series of public consultations next month and says it expects a planning application to be submitted in August.

Work to buy property and land in Time Square and the Market continues - with a number of bore holes currently being dug in the former B&M unit.

The new look development promises shopping, restaurants, cinema, new civic offices and market hall.

Now residents and businesses can formally give their thoughts on the scheme.

Clr Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “This project is moving forward now at a considerable pace.

“When we revealed our plans last October we had an overwhelmingly positive response and this pre-planning consultation is another chance for the public, businesses and stakeholders to discuss view and comment upon the scheme.

“We are excited about the prospect of a planning application being submitted in August and a start on site looming closer.”

The public exhibition will be held over two days:

  •  June 13 between 2pm and 8pm at the Former Glitz Building, 54 Bank Street, Time Square
  •  June 14 between 9am and 2pm at Warrington Market.

Council chiefs say the first building work could start as early as January.

As revealed in the Warrington Guardian in October, the market will be rehomed in two stages.

Firstly, a new retail unit will be built on the site of Time Square and serve as a two-year provisional home for the market.

The current market hall will then be demolished and the new market hall to built behind the listed façade of the former Boots building on Bridge Street.

Matt Crompton, joint managing director of Muse Developments - development partner, said: “Working closely with Warrington Borough Council we are pleased there is activity occurring on a number of fronts.”

Comments may be submitted online at warrington.gov.uk/bridgestreet.

It runs from June 13 to 27.