FRODSHAM businessman Paddy Bleakley has submitted a proposal to Cheshire West and Chester Council to renovate Frodsham’s Goods Shed.
His vision is to transform the neglected building into a unique destination venue, packed with talent and attitude, with a continuously changing calendar of events and a mix of galleries, cafe and bar. He sees the building as an iconic landmark from a bygone era that has gone unused for too long.
Mr Bleakley is behind the successful transformation of Kash 22 on Frodsham’s Church Street and has a proven track record of creating a thriving hospitality business, organising events, promoting local musicians and supporting the local community.
He sees the Goods Shed as an opportunity to stimulate the local economy, as seen around similar venues in Altrincham, Liverpool, Manchester and Cardiff and wants his home town to be a strong creative hub, not just a parking venue for commuters.
His proposal has been met with enthusiasm and support from Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury and Cheshire West and Chester (Frodsham Ward) councillor Lynn Riley.
Frodsham Town Councillors Liam Jones and Caroline Ashton thoroughly endorse the plan and have offered to help in any way possible to see it succeed.
Since formally submitting the proposal, Mr Bleakley has met with CW&C representatives and is currently awaiting a decision. The council had however already applied for planning permission to demolish the building, despite 73 per cent of respondents to their own pre-application consultation objecting.
Mr Bleakley is not alone in feeling the demolition of a historical building in a prominent conservation area is morally, socially and environmentally wrong. If demolished an important part of the town’s history will be lost, forever.
The council’s application (reference 18/03072/FUL) to demolish the building is currently in the formal consultation stage of planning and Mr Bleakley urges the local community to formally object to the proposal by contacting Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning department.
The Goods Shed needs extensive restoration, the cost of which will be privately funded. Mr Bleakley will be speaking with local traders about the works required to create a socially and environmentally conscious business. It is hoped that the physical restoration of the building will also provide opportunities for young people living in and around Frodsham to develop new skills.
Frodsham Life has received numerous letters and emails from people supporting the retention of the Goods Shed, several making the point that petitions and social media campaigns will carry no weight in the planning process and that what is needed are formal objections to the planning department at https://pa.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=neighbourComments&keyVal=PD19VUTEH4A00
No more cafe and bar,s in Frodsham , we have enough thanks.
A potentially great solution and opertunity to be had here. We should all support the chance to do something great here. Let’s be bold and get together behind this vision.
I think it’s a great idea. Looking forward to hopefully seeing these plans going ahead!
This is a fantastic proposal by a successful and well respected local businessman. It is just what we need to energise Frodsham and bring a much needed boost to the local economy. Not only will it bring jobs it will bringvthst much needed feel good factor. I wish Paddy Bleakley every success in this new and exciting venture and hope that sense prevails and his plans are accepted.
Wonderful this – truly hope your proposal is a success! It would make a wonderful space for creativity wellbeing sessions, workshops, courses. I’d be keen to be involved!
Great Idea,surely better than demolishing it.
Living in Altrincham, I have seen the renovation of our local market transform the town. It’s made a huge difference to it and has generated more jobs and more exciting places to spend as a family. Frodsham is lovely and will benefit greatly from this.
Well said Mike Garvey! I can only reiterate your original quote:
“This is a fantastic proposal by a successful and well respected local businessman. It is just what we need to energise Frodsham and bring a much needed boost to the local economy. Not only will it bring jobs it will bring a much needed feel good factor. I wish Paddy Bleakley every success in this new and exciting venture and hope that sense prevails and his plans are accepted.”
What a brilliant solution. You only have to look at what other places have done to see the potential. Surely a halt needs to be called on any plans for demolition now there is a viable commercial alternative.
This guy is honest and a very talented businessman. Frodsham needs visitors daytime and evening. A venue for up and coming talent. Go for it Paddy
Good luck from Lisa,s dad
Paddy has made a great success of Kash22.
His vision to provide a unique live music venue for Frodsham by utilising the old goods shed,and therefore saving it from demolition deserves support.
As a mum with a small child you can never have enough cafes! Good luck! Frodsham would only benefit.
I think Paddy Bleakleys proposal is a great idea. give an old heritage building a new lease of life.
Excellent proposal compared to CWaC’s one! Good luck Paddy, you have my support.
Even better if it could also be utilised as a new home for the Thursday Market to take it off of Main Street.