Liverpool-based developer Iliad and Manchester-based Modus are to submit plans for a £100m mixed-use scheme in central Warrington.
The scheme, known as the Wireworks, includes 600 flats, up to 88,000 sq ft of offices and 77,000 sq ft of retail and leisure, including a cinema and hotel.
The plans comprise six separate blocks on a 12-acre site on Winwick Street, which is opposite Warrington central station.
The scheme will be developed in up to three phases, and will start with the cinema.
A speculative 58,000 sq ft office block is likely to follow in the second phase, while a prelet on a further 30,000 sq ft of offices is under negotiation.
Japanese restaurant brand Saporro is in negotiations to take a restaurant unit at the scheme.
The 50:50 Iliad-Modus joint venture, known as Winwick Partnership, is submitting a detailed application next month.
Outline plans will not be submitted because the site is in a conservation area.
If the application is successful, work on the scheme could begin next February, with completion in early 2008.
David Savage, development and acquisitions director at Iliad, said: “This type of scheme has never been attempted in Warrington before. We see the town as an emerging market and are confident about the growth potential.”
Both Savage and Iliad managing director Mark McNamee are former directors of David McLean.
Last month Estates Gazette revealed Iliad had been named as preferred developer for the flagship Lime Street Gateway site in Liverpool.
The architect on the Wireworks is Liverpool-based Falconer Chester.
Matthews & Goodman is advising on planning.
References: EGi News 10/03/05
