Transforming Warrington’s retail and residential landscape with mixed-use developments

As online shopping continues to grow, UK town centres are evolving. The shift from traditional retail hubs to vibrant, mixed-use communities is now more important than ever. At Altered/Space, we saw an opportunity, not just to redevelop, but to reimagine the spaces that shape Warrington’s future. 

The decline in footfall within retail spaces left gaps in the town’s urban landscape, but rather than viewing this as a challenge, we saw potential. By integrating housing, retail, leisure and community spaces, we’re bringing new life to underused commercial areas - creating a thriving, sustainable town centre that meets modern needs. 

Cockhedge Shopping Centre: Repurposing retail space for a sustainable future 

Warrington has long faced an oversupply of retail space, with multiple town centre schemes and retail parks competing for the same custom. The Cockhedge Shopping Centre, once a bustling hub, became underutilised aided by the expansion of Golden Square Shopping Centre and the demolition and relocation of the Council’s offices from New Town House. This presented an opportunity for reinvention.  

By working in partnership with Warrington Borough Council, we set about reshaping this key site to deliver a mixed-use, community-focused redevelopment that enhances the local area. Our vision has been to create a space that blends modern urban living with essential retail, F&B and leisure, revitalising the town centre while addressing the demand for high-quality housing. 

Strategic location and sustainable development 

Situated in a prime location, the site is at the heart of Warrington’s transport network, with connections to key destinations. From just a short walk to the central station, residents can reach Liverpool or Manchester in around 25 minutes, whilst the bus exchange ensures easier local commuting. The accessibility of this area makes it an ideal centre for both living and working. 

Sustainable urban planning is at the core of this regeneration project. Through our partnership with Warrington Borough Council we have prioritised redeveloping brownfield sites, such as the former council offices. By following through with approaches like this, the environmental impact of construction is reduced, whilst giving a new purpose to commercial spaces which were no longer viable.  

Meeting market demand and demographics 

Warrington’s strong employment density and proximity to universities presented an exciting opportunity to create a thriving community for both residents and businesses. With the town ranked among the top ten nationally for employment rates, its robust job market and economic contribution signal a strong demand for quality housing. Recent town centre developments have already demonstrated a growing appetite for well-connected, high-quality living spaces, reinforcing the potential for success. By shaping these sites around the needs of the community, we’re not just developing new spaces- we’re creating unique, functional places that enhance Warrington’s fabric.  

Creating a vibrant, multi-functional town centre  

The redevelopment of the Cockhedge Shopping Centre is about creating a thriving, multi-functional town centre to meet the needs of the community. As well as cosmetic improvements to existing commercial units, the project includes plans to introduce further F&B and family leisure offerings whilst also looking at sectors such as healthcare to create a multi-functional scheme. From these considerations, a stronger sense of community and integration of a once-unused space is fostered, ensuring services are easily accessible at the heart of the town.  

We are confident that the development in Warrington’s town will exceed expectations, for locals and those who are looking to move. By blending modern urban living with a renewed commercial core, we’re setting a new standard for how towns can evolve in a way that serves both businesses and residents. 

As we are approaching the final stages of our initial commercial refurbishment, we cannot wait to collaborate further within local stakeholders and see our vision come to life. This endeavour has been a rewarding journey and we look forward to working on similar opportunities for communities in the future. 

Read more about the development in Property Week here.