Warrington town centre has reported a remarkable surge in visitor numbers, with nearly two million people flocking to the area over just eight weeks this summer. This significant increase, recorded during May and June, has been largely attributed to a series of successful events that have drawn crowds and boosted footfall, particularly at Time Square, the town’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and leisure.
Among the standout events contributing to this increase were Warrington Mela, Proms in the Square, Warrington Pride, and Krazy Races. Time Square, which opened in 2020 as part of an extensive regeneration initiative, has emerged as a key beneficiary of the surge, experiencing some of its highest visitor numbers to date.
Cllr Laura Watson, the Cabinet Member for Economy, Growth and Quality Work, spoke about the positive impact of this influx. “The rise in footfall across Warrington town centre has had a direct and positive impact on Time Square,” she stated. “Our development has attracted more visitors as it becomes increasingly central to the town’s activity. The success of recent events has been reflected in Time Square’s rising numbers, underlining its growing role in the community.”
Shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues within Time Square have all experienced a boost in patronage. The Cookhouse at Warrington Market, a popular dining destination, reported its busiest Sunday ever, with visitor numbers soaring by as much as 190% on key event days.
Cllr Watson continued, “The combination of town centre events and the attractions at Time Square has created a strong draw for both locals and visitors. This has significantly boosted foot traffic to our development and reinforced Time Square’s place as a top spot for community gatherings and entertainment.”
Overall, footfall in Warrington town centre has increased by 6.2% compared to the first half of 2023, with Time Square playing a pivotal role in this growth. The rise in visitors is seen as a positive indicator of Warrington’s ongoing economic and cultural revival, signalling a return to vibrancy in the town centre following challenging times.
Andrea Morley, Project Manager for Warrington Business Improvement District (BID), expressed optimism about the future. “The increase in visitor numbers across the town centre shows that Warrington’s economic and cultural revival is well underway,” she said. “Time Square, with its central location and variety of offerings, has been a significant part of this progress. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum with more events and initiatives to keep the town centre thriving.”
As the summer progresses, local businesses and community leaders remain hopeful that this surge in interest will continue. With plans for additional events and initiatives in the pipeline, Warrington town centre is poised to further establish itself as a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors alike. The collective efforts of the community and local organisations aim to ensure that this momentum is not only maintained but enhanced in the months to come.
