WORK has finally begun on transforming the site of the old outdoor market in Northwich.

Diggers were on the site on Monday morning, with Cllr Sam Naylor saying the work could be completed within just six weeks.

A planning application was granted last month for a change of use, to allow the site to be transformed into a temporary public park.

It is hoped the area will become a bustling community open space offering not just relaxation but also be used to hold informal events and as an al fresco extension to neighbouring local businesses.

Cllr Naylor said: "I was down there this morning and thankfully the work is now underway.

"Obviously the plans were delayed a little bit due to the Covid pandemic, but I'm glad they're finally moving.

"Having spoken to the workers on site today, they think it should take around six weeks to complete the work so let's see what happens to it.

"I don't know if that's being overly optimistic as we don't know what the weather's going to be like do we, but an April opening would be great.

Northwich Guardian: A top-down view of the park

A top-down view of the park

"We want to work with our partners like the town council, Cheshire West and Chester, the BID and anyone else who wants to put events on.

"I've spoken to Chris Mundie at The Salty Dog and I know he's chomping on the bit to make use of the space.

"We don't want to stand around clicking our heels, we want to get on with plans for when things are freed up.

"People definitely need something to look forward to after the year we've all had."

The plan is for the outdoor event space to be temporary, with the site ultimately playing an important role in the overall transformation of Weaver Square in the years ahead.

As part of the plans to improve the overall look of the area, Cllr Naylor added how some of the empty units will be made more visually appealing.

He said: "The council are looking at doing something with the empty shopfronts, such as getting some vinyls.

"There is a row in Weaver Square that Cheshire West own that are never going to be occupied.

"There probably going to be empty until they're knocked down, so it's just a way of trying to spruce the town up a bit."