A BOWLING alley is considering a potential move to a Cheshire West shopping centre, the council has confirmed, as concerns are raised about the number of empty units on the site.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) said a tenpin bowling operator had been provided with plans for a two-level unit to see if it fits its business model, and added CWaC welcomes ‘any introduction of leisure and experiential uses into Barons Quay’.

This comes after CWaC councillor for Marbury, Lynn Gibbon, claimed one bowling alley’s initial approach to the council had been met with negativity and called for more to be done to fill empty units.

A council spokesperson said: “Over the years a number of bowling alley operators have been approached, but none of the units have been suitable to meet their requirements as they do not provide sufficient floor space on one level.

“More recently, a tenpin bowling operator has been provided with plans of a unit split over two floors to see whether this could work for their business model and their response is awaited.

“No tenpin bowling interest has been turned away.”

Barons Quay, in Northwich, first opened in 2016 and is home to shops such as Asda, H&M and River Island, plus many coffee shops, Odeon cinema, among others.

But there are many units which are left vacant.

Cllr Gibbon said attracting businesses to the town should be a priority given the amount of time the units have been empty.

“I know, from speaking to one business, they were very keen to explore moving to the area and it seemed like a fantastic leisure opportunity for the town centre," she said.

“The proposal was for a bowling alley which included two other leisure activities - an escape room and laser tag - and they were happy to start negotiations with the space available.

“I do not understand why the company’s initial approach was not met with enthusiasm and an invitation extended for an initial discussion.

“We are in a situation where there are about eight vacant units at the site, which has been the case for many years.”

Cllr Gibbon has written to the chief executive and the Labour leader of the council expressing concern.

The council spokesperson added: "The vacant units at Barons Quay are widely marketed by a market leading leasing agent in the UK; this has focused on a more leisure-based focus rather than the declining demand form retailers.

“The council’s aim is to provide a vibrant mix of leisure together with national and local food and non-food retail.

“All types of use are targeted, and the council welcomes any introduction of leisure and experiential uses into Barons Quay to help drive footfall and to provide a day out for local families and visitors from further afield.

“There are currently four units under offer, including two with a leisure focus."