A DEAL which will see a leading leisure operator open up in the temporary market building once the permanent site is built has been finalised.

Last Monday, the executive board agreed for the council complete the lease deal with the company so it can move into the site, once it becomes available.

Although the authority has not confirmed the name of the firm, the Warrington Guardian understands it is Hollywood Bowl.

And a spokesman for the ten-pin bowling operator did not rule out the move.

He said: "We're always looking for exciting new locations in which to open Hollywood Bowl centres but we are unable to comment on speculation about new openings."

In his report to executive board members, council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill said the fact that the operator has agreed to sign up two years before the property becomes available 'demonstrates good commercial demand'.

He said: "The key purpose of the Time Square Scheme is to be a major economic driver for the regeneration of the town centre, to inject much-needed investment and economic vitality into the southern section of the town centre and to help rejuvenate the Bridge Street and Buttermarket Street areas.

"It is a critical element in the city centre masterplan and the council's strategy for the redevelopment of the town.

"Recent discussions from potential developers in and around the town centre have shown that the redevelopment of Time Square is already having a regenerative effect on the town centre, with increased interest in the purchase and development of areas directly adjacent to Time Square.

"The proposal provides additional financial resilience to the Time Square funding model.

"It is considered prudent to demonstrate demand from commercial operators for the Time Square scheme, so to add encouragement for other users to be attracted and create competitive tension for other operators considering coming into the Time Square scheme."

Cllr O’Neill also highlighted the importance of the Cineworld, which will open in the town centre as part of the project.

He added: “The next construction phase of the Time Square project involves the construction of the new council offices, events square, new permanent market hall and the cinema and restaurants.

“A cinema is the key to the success of the entire project as it brings a commercial anchor to the scheme.

“The town centre lacks a cinema and the associated family-oriented restaurants and leisure uses.”

No external consultation took place in connection with the commercial letting due to 'reasons of commercial sensitivity and financial benefit' for the council.

In October, proposals to change the former BHS store in Golden Square Shopping Centre into a bowling alley were approved.