A TROUBLED shopping centre at the heart of Northwich has been taken over by new owners.

As the Guardian went to press yesterday, Tuesday, Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) confirmed it has acquired the lease to the deteriorating Weaver Square Shopping Centre.

The centre went into receivership in August 2012 when Nationwide Building Society called in receiver Colliers International to take over the management of the centre from owners, Weaver Square Investments Ltd.

CWAC already owns the land that the deteriorating 1960s precinct is built on but the centre itself was owned by the building society.

Clr Stuart Parker, CWAC's executive member for culture and economy, said: "We are very much aware of local concerns over the condition of Weaver Square – particularly with a view to its strategically important position in the town centre.

"Barons Quay and Memorial Court will represent the new face of Northwich and we need to ensure that any future development will meet our aspirations and complement and enhance the exciting plans already under way."

CWAC has negotiated with Colliers International for the formal surrender of the 99-year ground lease for Weaver Square.

It's estates management team will become landlord to the 22 surviving tenants in the precinct, which has 21 empty units.

The latest shopkeeper to leave the square was Dave Hodkinson, who said he was forced to close his business The Kitchen Garden after just nine months because of the state of the centre.

Clr Sam Naylor, Winnington and Castle ward councillor, said: “I’m glad that the council has ended the uncertainty surrounding Weaver Square by taking the ownership initiative and look forward to hearing about future development plans in due course.

“I very much hope that CWAC will consult on its new vision for Weaver Square and that the result of that consultation reflects the wishes of those members of the public who have participated.”

The centre is located near other council-owned land, including the market hall, Victoria Club car park and the Watling Street office building.

CWAC will now begin a review of its longer term plans for Weaver Square and the adjoining properties looking at their strategic value in the regeneration of the town centre.

Clr Parker said: “All the existing tenants will be able to occupy the shopping centre under the terms of their current agreement and we will be talking to our existing tenants, together with other stakeholders in the near future.

“Given that many of the units are currently empty, one of our aims will be to consider how we can improve this situation in the short term.”