COMPREHENSIVE plans to redevelop the Cabinet Works into 'cosmopolitan' houses have been unveiled by Warrington Borough Council.

The council's executive board has approved a 'masterplan' that is set to see the town centre site be transformed into a new residential area.

According to a council report, it is hoped it will mirror the Northern Quarter in Manchester, or Ropewalks in Liverpool, when finished.

The report said: "The intentions of the town centre strategies are to create a vibrant and diverse economy and living environment that interconnect both with the traditional town centre areas as well as neighbouring areas such as the town’s cultural quarter.

"It is intended that each of the strategies will provide a mix of uses but have a complimentary anchor. With Bridge Street, this will include the cinema and leisure activities.

"The Stadium Quarter will form a central business district and the Cabinet Works will form a cosmopolitan residential area."

It is proposed the Cabinet Works is turned into homes and businesses 'sympathetic to the historic and heritage value of the site', that 'encourage independent operators' and 'improve links between the site and public transport'.

The development site includes the south side of Sankey Street, the western side of Bridge Street, and space behind the retail area to Palmyra Square.

It also includes the car parking area and former NHS site at Garven Place.

Speaking at a meeting of the council's executive board on Monday night, leader Terry O'Neil said the proposals were 'part of our ambitious plans for the town centre'.

He said: "We have taken over some of the land and will produce some housing on there.

"This is moving it onto the next stage.

"It is a critical focal point for our town."

The proposals to 'endorse the masterplan as the foundation for future development' were approved unanimously by the executive board.

Any development may see the council buy further buildings as it does not own the entire site.

Clr O'Neil added a delivery plan will now be developed, with a consultation to follow.

The delivery plan, when formulated, will be subject to another report to the executive board.