Shellys Restaurant on Bold Street in Warrington has been crowned the North West’s best café in a competition organised by builders merchant Roof Shop. Owner Michele Butterworth received the award at a ceremony held in the Belfry in the West Midlands on March 27.
Warrington Bank Quay train station is about to receive a £650,000 facelift. The work, funded by Virgin Trains, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, and Network Rail, will see improved pedestrian access, a new passenger drop-off zone, dedicated cycle parking, and better facilities for the disabled.
Andy Farrall, Strategic Director for Environment and Regeneration at Warrington Borough Council, said ‘We welcome the transformation of Bank Quay station which will make significant improvements to one of the town’s major gateways. The new facilities are all customer-focussed and will be of great benefit not only to residents but will also enhance the whole visitor experience. Together with the new bus interchange and Golden Square shopping centre and with the Winwick Street redevelopment works on the horizon, the town centre is being transformed, boosting the local economy and vibrancy of the town.’
The 10th Creamfields festival will take place at Daresbury on August 23 and 24 2008. Acts confirmed include Kasabian, Fat Boy Slim, Paul Van Dyke, Tiesto, Simian Mobile Disco, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, Pete Tong, Felix Da Housecat, Judge Jules, Mike Pickering, Graeme Park, Dave Haslam, and Jon Da Silva.
The Warrington Guardian reports that Mr Smith’s, the town’s iconic nightclub is to reopen in March 2008. The club, which gained fame in the 1980’s as the home of the TV show The Hitman and Her, has been acquired by nightclub operator Nexum Leisure.
Warrington’s annual beer festival, Oktoberfest, will be held at Parr Hall and will run from October 11 to 13 2007. The event is being organised by the Warrington Rotary Club and is sponsored by Cains and local companies with all profits going to charity. The event is now in its 11th year and the £5 entry fee includes a souvenir pint glass. There will be around 70 real ales, specialty bottled beers and ciders plus live music every session (Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings plus Saturday afternoon).
Warrington Borough Council and Virgin Trains are set to redevelop Warrington’s Bank Quay train station. The plans include enhancements to the booking and entrance area, and improving access to the forecourt for both pedestrians and public transport. An exhibition of the proposals will be held at the Gateway on Sankey Street on June 20. The works are expected to be complete by early 2008.
The £120 million extension to Warrington’s Golden Square shopping centre will open on May 24. Opening day will be marked by several promotions including bus fares of 1p for anybody travelling to the centre by bus, free car parking in the town centre, and live entertainment throughout the centre.
The development will extend the shopping centre by 365,000 sq ft, and see 60 new shops plus 1700 car parking spaces and a new bus interchange. Stores opening include Debenhams, H&M, Next, Topshop, River Island, Beaverbrooks, La Senza, Republic, Oasis, and Boots.
Former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown has announced a 22-date UK tour that includes appearances at several North West Venues; Warrington Parr Hall (Oct 6), Preston Guildhall (Oct 13), and Liverpool University (Oct 26). Appearances in Manchester are expected to be confirmed shortly.
The line-up for Creamfields 2007 has just been announced. Acts initially scheduled to appear include Grove Armada, Chemical Brothers, Groove Armada, Kelis, Carl Cox, Erick Morillo and 2 Many DJ’s. More will be announced at a later date.
The festival will take place on Saturday August 25 at the Daresbury Estate, Warrington. Tickets are available from See.
The Creamfields dance festival will return to Warrington for the second year running. It will be held on Saturday August 25 2007 at the Daresbury Estate. Acts rumoured to appear include Underworld and Daft Punk.