The partners behind Warrington’s Time Square, have exchanged a 3,562 sq ft deal with local, family-owned, award-winning bar, Costello’s, to become the latest occupier at the innovative mixed-use destination

The £142m scheme in the heart of Warrington town centre has been delivered by Warrington & Co on behalf of Warrington Borough Council, with one of the UK’s leading specialists in town and city-centre regeneration, Muse Developments, appointed as development manager.

The Costello family – who own Costello’s bars, along with micro-breweries, Lymm Brewery and Dunham Massey Brewing Company – will start the fit out imminently as they look to bring their brand of high-quality, award-winning craft ales, served in a modern, relaxed environment to the town centre.

Leon Guyett, development director at Muse Developments, added: “Bringing Costello’s to Time Square is testament to the hard work of everyone involved and is a resounding endorsement of our collective vision here at the scheme.

“Despite these challenging times, we’re seeing the retail and leisure sector continue to be dynamic and evolve, with independent and regional operators coming forward to expand in new regeneration schemes that blend high-quality, innovative buildings, with both the area’s heritage and aspirations for the future.

“Working with our partners at Warrington Council, we’ve delivered a truly special scheme that’s a shining example of successful town centre repurposing that drives the local economy, local opportunities and prosperity for all.”

Anthony Costello, director at Costello’s, said: “We can’t wait to get started on the new bar and we’re looking forward to being able to bring our vision to life, in the new and exciting Time Square development. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase our award-winning ales and style of establishment, in a vibrant and high-quality area of Warrington town centre.

“We’re hoping to be open this Summer, when all restrictions are hopefully lifted. However, with Coronavirus in mind, we’ll be installing a specialist ventilation system, to make sure the bar is always full of fresh, clean air. We hope that as many people as possible will be able to come out and enjoy the new bar, along with the rest of what Time Square has to offer.

Warrington Borough Council leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “Our Time Square development continues to go from strength to strength, and I’m delighted we are able to announce Costello’s as the latest high quality addition to our ever-growing offer.

“It has been fantastic to see this vital scheme maintaining such strong momentum during these challenging times. Now as the economic recovery of our town centre continues, we can look forward with real confidence to Time Square’s ongoing growth as a premier retail and leisure destination.”

Situated in the centre of Warrington with excellent accessibility via the local road network, Time Square will meet the area’s high demand for a fresh retail, leisure and entertainment destination.  Alongside the cinema, bars and restaurants, Time Square is home to Warrington Borough Council’s new 103,000 sq ft office and a 1,160-space carpark.

Metis Real Estate Advisors acted on behalf of Warrington & Co. and Muse Developments.