THE artist’s impression of how Bridge Street will look after it has been ‘regenerated’ left me feeling a little uneasy last week.

Of course we want to breathe new life into that area, it has been neglected for long enough.

We don’t want all the boarded up shops or charity shops (no disrespect to any charities) but it’s hardly a sign of a healthy and vibrant shopping destination.

I’m not quite sure what I expected the grand plans to look like but it wasn’t what I saw.

The huge curved building which is going to be the new council offices looks dominating.

I’m sure it will provide lovely views for council workers although with all that glass it might get a bit hot on a summer’s day, but it is what we appear to be losing that’s of real concern.

There doesn’t seem to be any of the original building facades left, the left hand side appears to be virtually wiped out by the council offices and the right hand side looks very modern.

One of the delights of Bridge Street is the splendid architecture of its buildings. Not what’s directly in front of your eyes, but look upwards and the original buildings are still magnificent.

So while regeneration is welcome and all those delightful continental type café bars will no doubt be well used, why can’t all these new commercial premises be incorporated into the original buildings?

Some towns and cities have got it right, just look at York, its shopping centre is done tastefully in keeping with the city’s Roman history. Even the McDonald’s in the centre has to conform with no garish colours allowed.

But back to the artist’s impression, the multiplex cinema appears to be slap bang in the middle of where Hancock and Wood currently is? Are the Mr Hancocks getting their marching orders?

Perhaps I’ve got the sides mixed up because the market is on the left hand side of the picture, either way, there doesn’t appear room for the 100-year-old family-owned store which is a firm favourite with many Warrington residents.

While no doubt this picture of Bridge Street utopia has been created by some swanky architect in his Manchester high rise, I’m not sure we need quite as much outdoor seating areas, this is the north west and it does rain a lot.

Perhaps I’m just being a party pooper, I’d love to know your thoughts.

n Thanks for your feedback on my column about Jo Crotty, good and bad, I enjoy hearing your views.