WARRINGTON town centre is to be extended by a £25 million shopping development.

A 200,000 square foot "fashion and leisure" park will stretch from the Winwick Road area, linking up with Golden Square.

Work is scheduled to start early next year, and the project is expected to open early in l998.

The plan is likely to include Warrington's first department store along with quality shops and restaurants.

Paul Rice, town centre manager, said it was an exciting devlopment that would enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre and make it more attractive.

Paul said the development would hopefully fill the gaps in the town centre shopping scene.

"It will provide an excellent balance between Golden Square, Bridge Street, the Cockhedge Centre and Bridge Foot. Bringing in Winwick Road will make a nice spread and give Warrington the town centre it deserves. It is very encouraging and a step in the right direction.

" We have been speaking to the developers all along. We have given an indication of the sort of tenants we would like. We don't want to duplicate what we already have."

Tony Page, manager of the Cockhedge Centre, said he thought the development would help to combat out-of-town shopping.

The developers are Modus Properties, of Manchester. A spokesman said interest had already been shown by High Street fashion retailers looking for larger space. Discussions were being held with a numbers of operators, including Next, JJB Sports, Sears, Greenalls and First Leisure.

A number of larger retailing organisations, such as Allders, have expressed an interest in the 90,000 square foot unit which could house a department store.

Said Brendan Flood, managing director of Modus : "We are delighted with the level of interest from quality retailers."

Parking spaces will be provided for 1,000 cars.

The development has outline planning permission which is subject to a highways agreement.

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