A councillor is demanding answers from council bosses over the empty units at Barons Quay in Northwich amid fears companies expressing an interest are being dismissed.
Chester West and Chester Councillor for Marbury, Lynn Gibbon said regenerating Northwich and attracting businesses to the largest town in the borough should be a priority for all involved, especially given the amount of time the units have been empty. Cllr Gibbon who is deputy leader of the Conservative group and shadow cabinet member for housing, regeneration, and growth, believes prospective businesses are being turned away and too much focus is being put on housing the former market there.
Cllr Gibbon said: “We are in a situation whereby there are about eight vacant units at the site which has been the case for many years. I know from speaking to one business that they were very keen to explore moving to the area and it seemed like a fantastic leisure opportunity for the town centre. The proposal was for a bowling alley which included two other leisure activities an escape room and laser tag and they were happy to start negotiations with the space available.
“After eight years of empty units, we should be grasping all opportunities that come our way and biting hands off to fill these units. Businesses know their requirements and what they need, so why I am being told, by council officers, that the location is not suitable. Surely if this were the case the business would not have expressed an interest in the first place?
“I do not understand why the company’s initial approach was not met with enthusiasm and an invitation extended for a initial discussions. I am not saying I don’t want a new market there. As I do think there is adequate space to accommodate both creating a win/win situation. I am fully supportive of the market, but I do not want to see other businesses turned away especially leisure opportunities before proper conversations are had.”
Cllr Gibbon has written to the Chief Executive and the Labour Leader of the council expressing concern and asking for answers on how many other businesses have expressed an interest in moving to Barons Quay and have met with the same negative response.
She added: “It makes no sense to me the way the council is behaving. I will keep doing everything I can in fighting to attract and maintain businesses to Northwich”.
