Northwich Market survey launched ahead of 2026 opening

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) is planning to open the new, modern market in Barons Quay shopping centre some time next year.

This will replace the existing market in Weaver Square, which is set to be demolished and replaced with new homes as part the council’s strategy to regenerate the town centre.

CWAC says the new market will offer a wider choice of stalls and facilities for traders and shoppers.

The proposed location is a currently vacant corner unit at Barons Quay, units 12 and 13, opposite H&M.

The team behind the plans was also responsible for the new Chester Market, which combines stalls where diners can buy food to eat in with more traditional retail outsets selling produce and other goods.

The £1.8 million proposed invested will be the biggest boost for Northwich Market since the 1960s, according to CWAC.

The proposed location for the market would use two units at Barons Quay (Image: CWAC) CWAC is now encouraging Northwich residents and shoppers to have their say on the proposed plans, and has launched an online questionnaire, which will be accessible until Monday, June 9.

There will also be two drop-in events in the proposed new market location in Barons Quay, where detailed plans will be on display.

These will take place on Thursday, May 22, noon to 7pm, and Friday, May 23, noon to 5pm.

CWAC’s deputy leader, Cllr Nathan Pardoe, said: “At a time when other councils are withdrawing or closing markets due to funding pressures, we remain committed to them and to Northwich.

“We’re asking residents and businesses to play their part in shaping our plans for Northwich Market, which we’re co-producing with new and existing market traders to ensure the market thrives in its new home.

“Evidence from the UK and around the world makes clear markets with al fresco spaces, food and beverage stalls, and traditional indoor stalls bring people back into town centres.

The proposal contains space for dine-in food and drink vendors, as well as traditional retailers (Image: CWAC) “It’s why vibrant town and city centres feature new markets and new homes - and why Northwich Market and the Weaver Square residential project will be so important to the ongoing regeneration of Northwich town centre.”

CWAC is also keen to hear from businesses looking to trade in the new market.

It says it anticipates the existing market in Weaver Square will remain open until just before the new market opens.

CWAC and Northwich town councillor for Witton Ward, Sam Naylor, said: “It’s been a long time coming, but this consultation taking place over the coming weeks gives people an opportunity to tell us what they’d like to see.

“Whichever way you look at it, Chester Market has been a huge success.

“I hope it will be a similar story in Northwich, though we must remember they’re two very different places.

“I think the design team have taken this on board, and they’re confident this will be a good draw, and undoubtedly increase footfall in the town centre and for Barons Quay.”