The Cabinet has decided to approve VINCI UK Developments Ltd as the Council's preferred development partner for the redevelopment of Weaver Square in Northwich.

URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1986

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Economy and Housing which sought approval for VINCI UK Developments Ltd to be the Council’s preferred development partner for the redevelopment of Weaver Square in Northwich. The report also sought delegated authority for officers to enter into a Pre-Development Agreement (PDA) with VINCI UK Developments Ltd.  The recommendation was on the basis that delivery would be subcontracted by VINCI UK Developments Ltd to a Joint Venture between VINCI UK Developments Ltd and ION Property Developments Ltd.  In addition, the report highlighted the process that had been followed to make the recommendation, the works that will be undertaken under the PDA and the expected costs and risks to proceed.   Members noted the proposal for Weaver Square was to deliver a modern and affordable town centre residential offer, as part of a mixed-use development, in accordance with the aspirations of the Northwich Development Framework, which was approved by Cabinet in October 2023 as a joined-up vision for the regeneration of Northwich town centre. The redevelopment of Weaver Square would support the future viability of the town centre, increasing footfall and consolidating the retail offer to support the key retail areas of Witton Street, High Street and Barons Quay.  Members noted that the Northwich Regeneration Joint Member Working Group had been updated throughout the procurement process and had been able to provide scrutiny on the procurement route and the recommendations made in the report.   Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Legal.   Visiting Members:  Councillor Sam Naylor spoke in relation to the item.   Cabinet members welcomed the report and the opportunity this presented for the regeneration and redevelopment of Weaver Square in Northwich. In the ensuing discussion, Members highlighted the importance of co-designing and creating a sense of place with the involvement of residents. They acknowledged the need to be sensitive to the character of Northwich as a market town.  They also highlighted the significant engagement and public consultation undertaken which was set out in section 6 of the report.  They acknowledged the challenges ahead, however they recognised the passion and commitment of residents, ward Councillors, the Joint Member Working Group and they commended the Council’s Economy and Regeneration Team for their hard work and dedication to get to this point.   Whilst Members noted the information provided in the confidential Appendix 2, they confirmed they did not need to discuss its contents and there was therefore no requirement to move the meeting into Part B private.   DECIDED:    That   1)            VINCI UK Developments Ltd be approved as the Council’s preferred development partner for the redevelopment of Weaver Square in Northwich; 2)            the Director of Economy and Housing, in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and the Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, be delegated authority to agree and enter into a Pre Development Agreement with VINCI UK Developments Ltd; and 3)            whilst VINCI UK Developments Ltd will be the party that the Council will contract with to ensure that the Council can make an award in full compliance with the terms and conditions of the PAGABO Developer Led Framework, delivery will effectively be sub-contracted to a Joint Venture between VINCI UK Developments Ltd and ION Property Developments Ltd as per the submitted business case. This arrangement, which has VINCI UK Developments Ltd as the contracting party and the joint venture as its delivery partner, is referred to as VINCI/ ION and will involve a formal sub-contract as between VINCI UK Developments Ltd and VINCI/ ION (as approved by the Council in accordance with the PAGABO Developer Led Framework Terms and Conditions).   Reason for Decision   As set out in section 3 of the report, paragraphs 3.1 to 3.4.   Alternative Options   An option is to not move forward with the recommendation to select VINCI UK Developments Ltd as the Council’s preferred development partner and enter into a PDA with them. This would cause reputational risk to the Council and disappointment to many businesses and stakeholders who wish to see progress on the Weaver Square site after many years of uncertainty. Consequently, it is recommended that the Council proceeds with the approach outlined in this report.

Date of Decision: July 9, 2025