MARKET traders are bracing themselves to be moved to a new temporary hall if plans for a £52m regeneration of the town centre are approved next month.

The council's planning committee will be discussing the Bridge Street Quarter proposal on December 11.

If councillors give the project the green light, work would start on site in early 2015 but it will also mean stallholders will have to move to a temporary home while building work takes place ahead of a planned 2018 opening.

Cllr Mike Hannon, deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: "Like most people in Warrington, the market is very close to my heart.

"Protecting Warrington’s market now and into the future is a primary concern in the Bridge Street regeneration project and £10 million is to be invested in the creation of a new market hall which will be the envy of other towns and cities.

"It is regrettable but unavoidable that the market will have to temporarily relocate.

"However we will be working very hard to make the transition as easy as possible for traders and shoppers. We will also be making every effort to promote the market and build and grow trade."

The new market hall will incorporate the Grade 2 listed former Boots building façade on Bridge Street as one of its entrances while the opposite side of the building will feature entrances out towards the square and new multiplex cinema.

Work will be completed in two construction phases including a 31,150 sq ft provisional home for traders on the site of Time Square in early 2017 before the current market hall is demolished.

A spokesman added: "Protecting the vibrancy of trade at the market is a primary concern in order that businesses are in a robust state to move to the new permanent market in 2018.

"At no time will the market cease to trade.

"The present market halls total 65,000 sq ft in size and are dated and under-occupied.

"The new £10 million market hall when completed will be approximately 40,000 sq ft."