WORK on the temporary market can now soon begin after plans were initially delayed by councillors over the 'awful' design of the building.

Warrington Borough Council's development control committee deferred a proposal in September for the first part of the £107m Bridge Street Quarter regeneration scheme.

The plans would see Warrington Market move to a two-storey glass-fronted building at the junction of Bank Street and Horrocks Lane.

The 3,117sq m space would then later be used for shops, cafes, restaurants and leisure facilities, next to a 13-screen Cineworld cinema, as part of the town centre redevelopment due to be completed in 2019.

The market would eventually move permanently to the old Boots store in Bridge Street.

Councillors said there was no 'architectural merit' to the design but after being shown new images of the proposed building including an improved entrance and wider shots of the 'street scene', they said they were 'much happier'.

Cllr Steve Wright said: "We had a go at the architect last time but we were right to do that as we have to make sure this is right for the future and a safe area that looks the part.

"This looks like something in keeping with the rest of it and after challenging this we have got the right result."

Cllr Bob Barr added: "What a difference a couple of weeks make.

"The latest proposal coming to us is an enormous improvement on what came to us six weeks ago.

"The increased separation distance between the proposed block and the Friends Meeting House was also something we expressed concerns about but I'm very pleased with the new proposal.

Following a vote, the plans were given unanimous approval by the committee during last night's meeting.

Residents are invited to attend a public exhibition of the plans on Saturday between 9.30am and 3.30pm at Warrington Market.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view the draft detailed design proposals, express their views and members of the development team will be on hand to answer any questions.

For those unable to attend the exhibition on Saturday, the draft plans will be available to view online at warrington.gov.uk/bridgestreet and howplanning.com/consultations from Saturday onwards with the option for people to submit their comments online.