A notorious 'eyesore' building at the gateway to Northwich town centre could be flattened as part of a new development with 150 apartments, restaurant and offices.

Chartered Surveyors Fifield Glyn are the agents for different owners of several vacant buildings at the bottom of Winnington Street, which stand in front of the Cheshire West and Chester Council-owned former electricity depot.

The company said it has been in contact with the council 'for some time' regarding proposals for both their land and that of its clients, but the firm said it has not yet received a formal response to its proposals.

The condition of some of the buildings in the area has drawn stinging criticism in the past - particularly Riverside House on Winnington Street - which has been empty for more than 30 years and branded a 'horrendous eyesore' by some local politicians.

Northwich Guardian: Plans have been drawn up to regenerate part of Northwich town centre. Design supplied by Fifield GlynPlans have been drawn up to regenerate part of Northwich town centre. Design supplied by Fifield Glyn (Image: PR)

John Fifield​, a consultant at Fifield Glyn, who is also a director and shareholder for one of the building owners - Osborne House Limited - said: "We are continually blamed for the state of the buildings at the bottom of Winnington Hill and Castle Street by both councillors and the MP.

"But I wish to make clear that the owners are very keen to go ahead with a complete redevelopment of the area  - including Lock Street - up to the River Weaver. In total about 2.5 acres."

He added: “We have had discussions with CWAC officers and councillors on many occasions over the years but nothing seems to move forward.

“We submitted a scheme for about 150 flats and a financial proposal to them in July 2022 but have had no response. We have been in touch with them again recently and hopefully they will respond positively to us shortly."

Northwich Guardian: The proposed project site. Image supplied by Fifield GlynThe proposed project site. Image supplied by Fifield Glyn (Image: PR)

A council spokesperson said: "The buildings on Winnington Street are privately owned, and it is the owners who are responsible for their upkeep and development.

"The council has always been and continues to be open to discussions with the owners about suitable and viable options for the redevelopment of the buildings, and we look forward to discussing these proposals with the owners."