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Construction work is underway for the new Waitrose store in Northwich, Cheshire which forms part of the wider £20 million ($30.6 million) mixed-use scheme to revamp a derelict riverside site at Hayhurst Quay.

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Designed by architect Paul White of Lewis and Hickey, the building is a £4.5 million ($6.8 million) new-build Waitrose retail store, which will be spread over 27,500 square feet. The retail shell is scheduled for completion by November 2013, after which, Waitrose will complete a fit out of the 18,000 square feet sales area. The store is scheduled to open in December 2013.

Apart from delivering a retail store in the riverside, the wider development plan also includes 58 ‘extra care’ retirement homes from McCarthy and Stone, a 4,400 square feet leisure unit, 40-berth marina and improved public access to the waterside.

Bounded by Chester Way, London Road and the confluence of the Rivers Weaver and Dane, the 4.5 acre brownfield site was underused and derelict in part for many years and was once home to the Regal Cinema, a floating hotel and car park.

The wider development plan aims to create a more vibrant waterfront with a mix of uses including residential, retail and leisure.