DETAILED plans have been revealed for a major residential and retail development in the town centre.

Wireworks Warrington proposes six buildings of between two and 17 storeys on land just off Winwick Street and Tanners Lane.

These will accommodate up to 550 residential dwellings, a 160-bed hotel and 3,000 square metres of commercial, office and retail space.

A version of the project was approved by the government in 2007, but with construction due to take place a year later, the plans were shelved due to a recession.

At this stage, only outline planning permission is being sought for the 2.92-acre site, but artists' impressions have been published to give residents a taste of what could come later.

If passed, it is unlikely that work on the development will start any time soon as developer Demetrius Limited have also submitted an application to continue using the land for car parking for another 10 years while the scheme progresses.

For Wireworks Warrington to take shape, the existing car park, car garage, car wash and light industrial and storage buildings on the site would need to be demolished.

Warrington Guardian:

In its design and access statement, developer Demetrius Limited say the new complex would form part of Warrington Borough Councils ‘Stadium Quarter’ based around The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

It states: “The proposed development goes towards providing attractive, well designed and sustainable new homes within a diverse neighbourhood, that supports healthy communities and economic growth.

“The scheme will be enriched by the inclusion of green space and an enhanced public realm to support new residents, workers and the local community.”

It is proposed that Winwick Street would be a focal point for the development, supporting a strong active frontage.

This would ‘cascade’ upwards to a landmark tower structure acting as a gateway into the town.

Warrington Guardian:

Grand plans were hoped of Winwick Street before the 2008 financial crisis, but the area has started to undergo transformation with the construction of The Base and University Technical College.

The area will also welcome a new £6.5 million OnSide Youth Zone after plans were approved by the council in April last year.

As well as this, planning chiefs gave the green light to an eight-storey, 362-apartment development at the junction with John Street estimated to cost £50 million.

To see the plans in full, visit warrington.gov.uk.