WORK to replace faulty glazing at Barons Quay will finally begin this month, more than two years after the issue was first discovered.

Balfour Beatty, which built the £80 million shopping centre on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), will start replacing the windows under warranty on Monday, July 22.

The firm accepted responsibility for replacing the faulty glass panels, which are currently behind safety netting to mitigate possible risks to the public, after months of legal negotiations with CWAC. 

According to Balfour Beatty, the problem, first discovered in February 2022, is down to a naturally occurring impurity in the glass, which caused ‘a very small proportion’ of it ‘not to perform as expected’.

The work will take around six weeks and is expected to be finished in early September. 

A Balfour Beatty spokesperson previously told the Guardian: “As a responsible contractor, we take such matters very seriously and since being made aware of the issues at the Barons Quay development, we have been working closely with CWAC to agree a programme of remedial works.”

Netting was installed to protect the public after the faults were discovered in February 2022Netting was installed to protect the public after the faults were discovered in February 2022 (Image: Newsquest)

To minimise disruption for businesses and visitors, the glazing will be replaced in the evening and overnight. Works will be carried out using cherry pickers to avoid the need for scaffolding.

Robi Gaine, Barons Quay centre manager, said: “The commencement of replacement glazing work is great news for our wonderful tenants in Barons Quay, and I’m excited the works are about to commence.

“Together with the council we are dedicated to realising the vision for Northwich, with Barons Quay being a key focal point together with the high street.”

Visitors with mobility issues are being warned the work will temporarily impact disabled parking spaces behind the Odeon cinema, which will be unavailable from Friday, July 19, until the end of August.

CWAC says this is the only suitable area for a site compound and laying out area for replacement glazing.

Alternative disabled parking in the town centre located at Barons Quay car park and Central Palace Drive car park. 

An external area adjacent to the Asda travelator hall will also be fenced for the duration of the works.

The fence will restrict access to the external stairs, but members of the public can still use the ramped route to access Baron Quay from Leicester Street.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, CWAC cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation, said: “The start of replacement glazing works is welcome news for visitors and businesses and will address the remaining issues experienced with the glazing.

“The council is strongly committed to delivering our ambitious vision for Northwich, and Barons Quay remains at the centre of this vision.”