A DERELICT warehouse and cottage could be transformed into ‘a gateway for the town’, creating new jobs for Middlewich.

Developers hope to completely regenerate the Town Wharf site in a scheme which could even see the town council and Middlewich Vision offices relocated.

British Waterways, which owns the site, is currently in the process of selling it to a private investor.

Middlewich Town Council is set to be the parent body and if it is given the green light, councillors could contribute £400,000 towards the project.

Jonathan Williams, clerk of council, met with the developers on Friday.

He said: “I want it to be a thriving gateway for the town with people bringing it to life by accessing it all the time.”

As well as being the potential plush new home for the council, with disabled access, the revitalised site is set to include a canalside cafe, a visitor centre, a meeting room for educational use, a heritage display and boating facilities.

Heritage consultant Libby Mee has been working with Middlewich Town council on potential designs and described the project as an ‘antidote to the recession’.

She said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to achieve something special and put Middlewich at the forefront of heritage regeneration in the north west.”

The Town Wharf project is set to build on the success of the newly upgraded stretch of the Middlewich towpath, which was unveiled last week.

Clr Keith Bagnall, chair of Middlewich Town Council planning committee, says he hopes that planning permission can be applied for by late summer and building work could start by early 2010.

The Town Wharf team is also due to have a meeting with Cheshire East Council planning officers, tomorrow.

Clr Bagnall added: “This is the biggest and best thing to happen to Middlewich in years. We’re thrilled at the prospect.

“Anything that creates jobs is a good thing and it’s fortuitous we’ve come across a developer with as much experience, expertise and knowledge in recovering heritage buildings like this and putting them to good use.

“It’s absolutely fantastic really. Coupled with a lot of other initiatives in Middlewich, it’ll absolutely transform the place. It’ll bring the town centre alive.”

Cheryl Blount-Powell, development manager for British Waterways north, says the Town Wharf proposal combines a range of amenities which would complement the continuing regeneration of Middlewich She said: “Proposals for a visitor centre and coffee shop will provide additional attractions for visitors to the town and its waterway.

“This reflects our desire for the strong links between this historic site and canal to be maintained and developed for the benefit of the community and the local economy.”