HAVE a look inside the work to transform one of Warrington’s finest buildings.

The Hive WA1, based on Cairo Street, is taking over the former TJ Hughes unit.

This scheme hopes to transform the building – originally designed by architect John Douglas in the 1860s and largely rebuilt in 1908 – into a ‘one stop destination that will be a busy hive of activity for work and play’.

A shopping arcade, bars, restaurants, a gym, offices and a conference and banqueting hall are all set to be involved.

So far, occupants such as a pizzeria, a coffee shop and an ice cream parlour have been confirmed and The Brass Monkey sports bar and club is already open.

Black Sheep Coffee, a London-based speciality coffee shop, will occupy the ‘prime unit’ at the corner of Cairo Street.

The Hive WA1 in all of its glory

The Hive WA1 in all of its glory

The bottom floor space

The bottom floor space

Another look at the historic building

Another look at the historic building

Fearnhead-based Ruddies Pizza, which currently operates as a delivery service and operates stalls at events, will open a takeaway in the development.

Brighella’s Gelateria will see a traditional ice cream bar open on Sankey Street.

And Pendergast Steakhouse will take over the former Mojo’s Tapas Bar on Cairo Street.

On the second floor, there will be office space, a co-working area and meeting rooms.

And other plans include converting the original Members Hall into a conference and banqueting suite while planning permission is being sought for a ‘panoramic sky garden offering incredible views to the west’ on the rooftop.

That would include an island bar, four street food kitchens and seating for more than 300 customers.

It is hoped that the remaining units will be ready to open by the late summer or autumn.

The space where a shop could go

The space where a shop could go

The view over Warrington from the roof which will feature an island bar

The view over Warrington from the roof which will feature an island bar

Work is ongoing

Work is ongoing

The second-floor features office space and a co-working area

The second-floor features office space and a co-working area

This is where the sky garden will go

This is where the sky garden will go

Black Sheep Coffee will have the prime unit

Black Sheep Coffee will have the 'prime unit'