AN AMBITIOUS multi-million-pound blueprint mapping out the future of Northwich as a top cultural and retail centre has been unveiled.

At the heart of the 10-year Northwich Vision strategy is a scheme to bring together key cultural features in one vibrant urban district overlooking the River Weaver at Baron's Quay.

This cultural quarter could include a groundbreaking concept for a one-stop shop for public services. A theatre, library, salt museum and tourist information centre may also feature at the site.

The six major players involved in the project are British Waterways, Cheshire County Council, English Partnerships, Environment Agency, Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) and Vale Royal Borough Council.

Specialist consultants have now been commissioned to determine the viability of this part of the vision in terms of cost, operation and sustainability.

Derek Cochrane, managing director of Northern Waterways, a division of British Waterways, said: "For many years Northwich hasn't really used the wonderful view looking out across the River Weaver."

The River Weaver is an important but under-used economic and leisure asset and it is hoped this development will enable Northwich to compete with retail and visitor centres across the north west.

Anne Bingham-Holmes, Vale Royal Borough Council chief executive and, chairman of Northwich Regeneration Partnership, said: "We want to take this vision and turn it into reality and today is a huge step in doing so."

The blueprint has been blighted by the problem of unstable mines, but English Partnerships is meeting the £33million stabilisation costs allowing for this ambitious refocus of the town.

Clr Arthur Wood, lead councillor for regeneration, said: "This is a truly exciting project and I am looking forward to working with all our key partners to secure a prosperous future for Northwich and Vale Royal."

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk