Detailed plans have been submitted to turn the St Anne’s Lane former gasworks site in Nantwich into a riverside hotel, shops and apartments complex.
The proposal, put forward by Vision for Nantwich Ltd, would see two main four-storey blocks built either side of the extension to Wyche House Bank.
The East building, fronting the river and with views across to the town centre, would include retail units, apartments and a hotel.
The West building, with views to the south over Mill Island, includes retail units and apartments.
A car park for apartments and hotel is provided to the rear of the West building off St Anne’s Lane.
Shops would occupy the ground floor of both buildings with the aim of forming a commercial front to both sides of Wyche House Bank and fronting the river.
The third element of the scheme involves demolishing the existing Welsh Row restaurant Simply Thai and erecting a three-storey building in its place, linking it with Wyche House Bank.
Wyche House Bank and the areas alongside the river frontage would be mostly pedestrianised with access for vehicles taken from St Anne’s Lane and along a service road to the rear of the properties in Welsh Row.
A report says Vision for Nantwich Ltd has now agreed a price to buy the land from Cheshire East Council to push ahead with the development.
Nantwich Town councillors considered the plans at a meeting last night (January 10).
Concerns have been raised about the loss of the free parking area which St Anne’s Lane currently offers.
Cllr Peter Groves and Cllr Arthur Moran both welcomed the scheme as a good mix of uses which will enhance the riverside.
The town council said it would support the scheme and welcomes the benefits to the town centre and to the appearance of the riverside.
They also agreed to write to the Leader of Cheshire East Council about the lack of progress in the proposed review of car parking in the town, and urging it to consider alternative provision.
The last date for public to submit their views is February 6, with planning committee expected to make its decision in March.
To view full details and all documents of the planning application, visit Cheshire East Council planning portal and search for application number 18/6313N.
Walking past this site we noted the so called scrub trees were actually mature ash with a trunk diameter of some 400 to 600 mm. was permission for felling these trees obtained of was it passed on a nod and a wink by Cheshire East. I think we should be shown the paperwork. In the past our glorious leaders have not shown probity and it is time that transparency in all dealings is shown.
Great that Nantwich Riverside gets some attention. It’s a gorgeous underused area so I’ll be looking forward to being able to have a drink and bite to eat along there hopefully. The bridge over to Mill Island will provide more pedestrian access to and from the riverside. Great that this area is being developed as the current state of the ‘car park’ is awful.
Fantastic news, just what we need to revitalise Nantwich,
Surely the facade to Simply Thai must remain considering Welsh Row is a conservation area? Historic street scapes such Welsh Row must be preserved for future generations.
What about the ownership of this land? There is apparently a problem with this ,presumably the council doesn’t own the land so how can they sell it?
Parking on Welsh Row is already difficult. With the removal of free parking at St Anne’s lane it will become close to impossible for residents of Welsh Row to find car parking on a weekend.
Residents parking measures should be implemented on Welsh Row (permit only) and additional shoppers parking provides to service the town centre and proposed additional shops.
Driving through the town is heavy now god knows what it will be like then