THE estimated cost of the council’s flagship town centre regeneration scheme is expected to increase by another £9 million.

The Time Square project, which remains on track to officially open in early 2020, was initially priced at £107 million before rising to £130 million.

However, it can be revealed that the cost has now jumped to an estimated £139 million.

But despite concerns over the extra charges, council chiefs say the scheme is progressing well and is ahead of schedule.

“Cost increases historically have been a result of associated increases in the scale of the project,” said a spokesman.

“More recently, a need for increased resilience and improvements to the way in which it will ultimately operate has resulted in some increased costs.

“The project is still on schedule for an opening early in 2020.”

Furthermore, in October, Steve Park, who is now the council’s operational director of economic growth, said he expected two restaurants to be signed up to Time Square by January following ‘very positive conversations’.

However, the authority says it is unable to confirm whether any firms have signed up, or not.

The spokesman added: “Negotiations with restaurant operators are progressing, as previously reported, but are commercially sensitive.”

Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town’s Liberal Democrats, has responded to confirmation that the cost of the scheme has increased.

He said: “The success of Time Square is vital for Warrington as it needs to become a regional leisure and shopping destination, as well as the administrative hub of the town.

“However, ballooning costs, combined with poor communications on what the money is going on, and how it will benefit Warrington as a whole, is not a good sign.

“I hope that the new leader and his deputy will provide a more open and transparent face to the council, explaining their aspirations for the town and how they will be achieved.”