ROBUST plans to 'repopulate' the town centre will come to fruition despite the current 'lack of demand' for retail and office space, according to council bosses.

The Time Square, Stadium Quarter and Warrington Waterfront regeneration projects are being tipped to change the face of the town after completion.

But despite the £107 million earmarked for development in the town centre, many concerns continue to be raised.

In a report to the Supporting the Local Economy Policy Committee, Andy Farrall, executive director for economic regeneration, growth and environment, updated members on the residential market in the town centre.

He confirmed average office rental levels in the area are at around £11 per sq ft, with the majority of sales between £56 and £70 per sq ft, and vacancy rates at approximately 15 per cent.

But the current 'lack of demand for town centre uses' was highlighted – both for retail and office sites.

The report said Warrington does not have an 'abundance' of town centre jobs but stated it can offer 'rapid transit' into Manchester and Liverpool.

The committee was told there is a 'need to encourage high quality conversions or new development' to try to attract 'higher income groups'.

Despite concerns, council chiefs have responded and insist Warrington is in an enviable economic position.

A spokesman said: "It is the best performing 'city' in the north west. It is one of only 14 cities defined as 'high wage, low welfare' and the only one in the north.

"It has one of the highest number of start-up companies in the UK and was declared a 'start-up hotspot' by the Cabinet Office.

"Warrington was declared a New Town in 1968.

"The New Town initiative was highly significant in Warrington's current economic success creating, among other things, Birchwood and a population migration of employees and businesses out of the town centre.

"Many businesses and residents moved out of the town centre into new homes and offices in Birchwood and other areas.

"For many years there has been an absence of grade A office space in the town centre.

"For this reason, The Base was built – it is the first grade A office development to be built in a generation.

"The town centre decline in vibrancy has also run in parallel with the national decline in the high street and in changing retail habits.

"Nevertheless, Golden Square Shopping Centre is a thriving asset to Warrington, with a very low void rate, and its significance is evidenced by the investment market when it was put on sale last year for £115 million and sold for £141 million.

"The council's bold growth framework Warrington Means Business sets out a confident and robust plan to re-energise and revitalise the town centre, repopulating it in terms of residents and workers and providing an attractive draw in terms of the offer by day and night."