PLANS to improve Winsford Town Centre have moved another step closer following the submission of a planning application for the first stage of the £21million revamp.
The application includes plans for a new national coffee chain unit on the corner of the A54 and Dene Drive.
The Fountain Court building will be demolished and replaced with a new retail unit and garden centre for a high-profile national retailer.
A new restaurant block will be created on the site of the current Queen's Parade building, which will also be demolished. It will look out onto a new pedestrian boulevard running north to south through the site.
The boulevard will connect to the A54 subway, linking historic buildings like the Guildhall, to a new civic square, which will be built next to the library.
The new town square will accommodate the relocated cenotaph and war memorial, and be used for civic, community and entertainment events.
An outline planning application will be submitted for a new creative and community hub. The plan is for it to be located beside the new town square and nett to the existing library.
Cheshire West and Chester Council consulted with people in the town last summer on its proposals for the redevelopment. It says community feedback has helped shape the new planning application.
Richard Beacham, the council's cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration, described the submission as a "milestone " for the town centre.
He said: "Together with the funding to purchase Winsford Cross Shopping Centre in 2018, the submission of this planning application signals almost £30m of investment from Cheshire West and Chester Council into Winsford town centre.
"The new Aldi supermarket which opened earlier last year was built on land we acquired from the shopping centre's previous owners and this next phase is further evidence of our intention to deliver real and lasting change for the town. Our plan is to give residents a new look town centre that we can all be proud of.
"I am looking forward to seeing new food and beverage units, with outdoor seating next to a public square where community events, civic ceremonies and exciting activities can take place.
"These changes will mean a much-improved town centre environment with more leisure, hospitality and cultural opportunities for local people to enjoy."
A vision for the future of Nantwich's Barony Park has been unveiled with a raft of ideas for its improvement.
They include new outdoor gym equipment, an ecological learning space, bird and bat boxes and a skate area.