TIME Square will prove to be a 'tremendous attraction' for Warrington, according to council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill.

Cllr Kath Buckley (CON – Lymm South) pressed Cllr O'Neill (LAB – Burtonwood and Winwick) on the future of the town centre during Monday's full council meeting.

She asked: "Our high streets and town centres are undergoing significant change and all accept that they need to evolve to survive – what steps are Warrington Borough Council taking to adopt the recommendations of the Grimsey Review to turn the town centre into a complete and thriving hub?"

The Grimsey Review assessed town centre plans, an 'alternative future' for the high street and why town centres 'cannot depend on' retailing for future prosperity.

The flagship £130 million Time Square regeneration scheme is on track to officially open in early 2020.

Cllr O'Neill said Warrington has 'adapted' following high-profile closures in the borough.

He added: "However, it is acknowledged that there are significant changes still to come as the traditional high street reacts to the growing success of online retailers, such as Amazon.

"It is important that we keep trying to make sure our town centre is diverse and vibrant at various times.

"With our investment in Time Square, we have actually encouraged private sector developers to invest and the market has picked up very well in the town centre.

"We are going to repopulate it as best as we can and make sure we have a vibrant and diverse town centre."

Cllr O'Neill added that he believes Time Square will attract a 'family demographic' to the area.