Golden Square

If you park your car in the middle of an empty car park, why does somebody always park next to you?

This page last updated Monday May 31, 2010
Golden Square - right at the heart of Warrington

Golden Square Shopping Centre is located at the very heart of Warrington.
Work began in 1973 to clear the land bordered by Golborne Street, Horsemarket Street and Sankey Street.
The Queen unveiled a plaque at the centre in 1979 but the building work was not completed until 1983.


How Golden Square would look after its 21st Century extension (image courtesy Bovis Lend Lease).	A view of Golden Square from the north taken on 12 August 2003. The area in the foreground is now the site of Warrington Interchange.	The plaque commemorating the Queen's visit in 1979.	The familiar logo of Golden Square seen on Midland Way on 16 Apr 2007.

However, the development meant that the town lost other historic buildings, including the old Market Hall. The outer shell of the Victorian Fish Market has been retained and is used to stage promotional and entertainment events under cover.

And, thankfully, the 16th century Barley Mow pub was kept intact. In recent years the current owners of the pub wanted to change its name to something less desirable, but the townsfolk protested. It was basically a case of if you call it that, we won't drink there and the original name remains. Power to the people!


A walk around the outside of Golden Square in 2003, starting at Market Gate, going down Sankey Street and into Golborne Street. The first image shows the entrance closest to where Cheapside was until it was cleared to build the original Market Hall. The other two views show Sankey Street. For even older views of this section, see Memory Lane (Walking Through Time).

This is Golden Square on Golborne Street, showing the circular access road for the centre and pedestrian underpass. The images below show the pedestrian underpass and footpath.


The plaque for the opening of Legh Street car park in 1975.	The plaque for the opening of Golborne Street in 1976.

The Ordnance Survey map of 1905 (reprinted and in the shops) shows the area where Golden Square is now situated.

Can you recall these old street names?
Regent Street    Mount Street    Paradise Place    Heath Side    Jolley Street    Brown Street    Flag Lane
Hughes Court    Cambria Place    Mill Street    Peter Street    Golden Grove Street    Rowe Street
King Street    Queen Street    Market Street    Lyme Street    Cheapside    Market Place

Of those, only Lyme Street, Regent Street and Legh Street survive. Regent Street is the road behind the White Hart pub. The name Golden Square isn't new. There is an 1855 photograph of Cheapside, Golden Square, in Alan Crosby's excellent book, A History of Warrington. If you know the origin of the name Golden Square I'd love to know.


From this point in 2003 you walked along the balcony, passing the bus station and round past Littlewoods entrance, down the steps or ramp, past The Hop Pole pub and Hatters Row to end up passing the fountain and back to your starting point.

A proposal to extend Golden Square shopping centre was announced in 1997, but met with fierce opposition from the start, mainly from the Time Square and Market retailers, who had a rival redevelopment planned. Government approval for Golden Square was finally given by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott MP, after a public inquiry. A proposed Tesco store and new Warrington Wolves rugby ground on Winwick Road also threatened the development at one point. Those are now built and Golden Square extension went ahead. A plan to redevelop Time Square was rejected in 2007, but the council has other ideas for its future redevelopment, including links to the southern end of Bridge Street and the River Mersey.


These art works once graced the entrance to Golden Square near the British Home Stores entrance. They depict the industry, history and heritage of the town. Sadly, only two are on display nowadays in the bus interchange - the remainder are hidden by the lifts.

There is also a proposed development for Winwick Street behind the Bay Horse pub, to be called the Wire Works. That area would include a new cinema (there are no facilities for filmgoers in the town centre - the nearest is Westbrook, some 2 or 3 miles way out west of town centre), with shops and living accommodation also included in the scheme. After a public inquiry in March 2007, planning permission has now been granted for the project. The land has been cleared, but only to make way for a temporary car park. As of March 2009 the scheme is on hold - probably something to do with that credit crunch thing...


The Bay Horse public house on 4 Feb 2005.	After demolition (taken 15 Feb 2005).

The Bay Horse pub, a listed building, was demolished (by accident), resulting in a £15,000 fine. Some don't think it was an accident...

The extended Golden Square now covers the site of old Golborne Street and Legh Street Car Park. New rooftop and underground car parking facilities are available at the new mall. Golborne Street has now disappeared forever, so keep hold of your existing town maps as they might be needed to educate the next generation of history students!

Major stores based in the new centre are Debenhams, Boots, H&M, Next and Sports World. By the time this web site was launched in May 2005, the two footbridges on Golborne Street had been removed, and the north end of Legh Street car park had been demolished.

GOLDEN SQUARE SAND SCULPTURE


Did you see the mermaid sand sculpture in Golden Square during September 2006? If not, photographs are the only way to see it because it has now gone. So how did they do it? It is made of sand and water. But not your normal sand from the beach. The crystals in beach sand are round and do not stay together. The sand used here is river sand because its grains are angular and interlock like bricks. It took three days to construct and can last up to three months, but this one was only on display for two weeks. To protect it from wind and rain the sculptor sprayed on a screen when sculpting it, and designed it in such a way that water drains off it. So how are they made? Well, take some sand, mix it with water, compress it by hand as best you can, then sculpt from the top down with a shovel, trowels and pallet knives. It was a spectacle for which these photographs don't really give it justice. You had to be there to appreciate the artists skills. I wish I had been there during construction. It would have been fascinating.

The rest of this page covers the building work of the extension in chronological order.

Preliminary survey work on the waste ground west of Crown Street began on 17 March 2004, with land clearance
work starting proper on 27 September 2004. Completion of the whole project was scheduled for Spring 2007.


Survey 17 March 2004.	How the area around Golden Square looked on 27 Sep 2004, the day work actually began.

OCTOBER 2004 - MARCH 2005


New bus station site taken from Crown Street on 10 Oct 2004.	The same area from Midland Way on 19 Nov 2004.	New legislation requires less noise for pile driving (7 Dec 2004).	View of Legh Street car park from Midland Way (12 Jan 2005).	Looking east towards new bus station site from Legh Street car park 26 Jan 2005.

Victoria House office block demolition (21 Feb 2005).	Legh Street is widened to become the new bus route (22 Feb 2005).	Legh Street car park demolition begins (10 March 2005).	Golborne Street pedestrian bridges are removed on 18 March 2005. The one on the left was destined for Birmingham Airport but it never got there.

The car park link bridge (23 Feb 2004 and 22 Feb 2005).		These two panoramic images were taken from the top of Legh Street car park on 22 Feb 2005 (left) and 4 Apr 2005.		Golborne Street sign (17 Aug 2006).

20 APRIL 2005


The surveyors get to work.	Foundations go in near Midland Way.		Golborne Street south - Gas repairs completed.

MAY 2005


A view of the whole site from the top of Legh Street car park (6 May 2005).	Work continues on the foundations (6 May 2005).	The new road takes shape on Legh Street. This will become the route for buses when Golborne Street closes (18 May 2005).	The above image shows the construction of control centre offices (18 May 2005).

The remains of the old inspector's office in the bus station (18 May 2005).	Legh Street gets a fresh layer of tarmac (26 May 2005).

Golborne Street (26 May 2005).	A wide angle view from Midland Way (26 May 2005).	How to measure out a new bus station pick up bay. Ingredients: One blue marker, one spray can and a pair of boots. Method 1. Mark out lines on road with blue marker and hope it doesn't rain! IT RAINED! Method 2: One week later use spray can instead of marker. Measure with boots to get the right length for other lines (and hope it stays on in the rain! It did!) (19 May 2005 - 26 May 2005).

JUNE - AUGUST 2005

	The big crane arrives on site (16 June 2005). Now that would have been the best place to get photos of the whole site, and indeed the whole of Warrington. I just never got round to asking for permission to go up there!

The First Post. In all, 90 concrete-filled steel columns weighing 7 tonnes each which will form part of the framework for the Golden Square redevelopment (23 June 2005).	Building of permanent office accommodation for Golden Square and the bus station continues (23 Jun 2005).	Beginnings of a frame (30 June 2005).	Twins! (7 July 2005).

In the final week before the temporary bus station opens, hoardings have been put up in preparation for work on the permanent section (18 July 2005).	The Debenhams store takes shape (30 Aug 2005).		Legh Street (30 Aug 2005).

SEPTEMBER 2005


A new access road is being built to the south of Debenhams for construction vehicles to use (12 Sep 2005).	Meanwhile, pedestrian access between Legh Street car park and Golden Square is via Golborne Street and Sankey Street (12 Sep 2005).	Debenhams progress from Midland Way/Legh Street (13 Sep 2005).	Progress from BHS window (13 Sep 2005). MY THANKS GO TO THE RESTAURANT MANAGER AT BHS FOR PERMISSION TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE OLD BUS STATION DEMOLITION FROM THEIR PREMISES

Tarmac has been laid on top of the white stone from yesterday's photo (above) (13 Sep 2005).		The above images shows the area between the old bus station and Golden Square, which is being demolished. (13 Sep 2005).	A view of the new Debenhams store from Legh Street (14 Sep 2005).

Legh Street viewed north (14 Sep 2005).	What time does Debenhams open? Not just yet! But progress on building it is well advanced... (15 Sep 2005).		Golden Square's first time traveller. The man onsite was walking left to right as I was taking a series of photos left to right to create this panoramic view of the demolition of the old bus station (15 Sep 2005).

The remains of the footbridge from the car park to Golden Square (15 Sep 2005).	These 2 images were provided by DJKenny, who also took photos of the town centre redevelopment. They show, left to right, the old entrance to Golden Square by WHSmith and the demolition of the old bus station building (23 Sep 2005).		A view from Crown Street (29 Sep 2005).

OCTOBER 2005


The final week of bus routes via Golborne Street (6 Oct 2005).	As from 10 October 2005, this bus stop will be all alone as buses are re-routed along Legh Street (6 Oct 2005).	Tree fellers wanted. When the bus stops are moved, can we have one in Dallam because our satellite screen doesn't work! (6 Oct 2005). It still doesn't in 2009!	Access to the bus station outside Littlewoods (a lift would be available soon after) (7 Oct 2005).	A distance view from Allen Street (7 Oct 2005).

Two views from a distance: Orford Lane and Central Station photos supplied by J. Roberts (7 Oct 2005).		A view of the new bus tunnel route to and from Legh Street (11 Oct 2005).	Golborne Street is now closed to all traffic (11 Oct 2005 and 14 Oct 2005).

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2005


The location of the old bus station. It will be transformed into part of the new shopping mall with a delivery bay below. The view is seen from the BHS restaurant window (11 Nov 2005).	The only section of Golborne Street that still exists. Every other part of it has disappeared under a building site (11 Nov 2005).	Two views of the Debenhams store from Midland Way: from the west (left) and a sunset view from the east (18 Nov 2005).	Piles for the extended shopping area are now being driven into the ground on old Golborne Street (18 Nov 2005).

Debenhams store from Midland Way (9 Dec 2005).	Left: Golborne Street from car park. Centre and right: old bus station site from BHS Restaurant (9 Dec 2005).		Foundations by DJKenny for car park access ramp. Kenny braved the cold - I was tucked into Christmas Dinner! (25 Dec 2005).

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2006


Golborne Street/old bus station now a memory (20 Jan 2006).	Viewed from BHS restaurant (20 Jan 2006).	The service ramp disappears (26 Jan 2006).	Debenhams (27 Jan 2006).

This view of the existing car park will be one of the last (10 Feb 2006).	From Sankey Street showing access to Regent Street (15 Feb 2006).	Site of the old bus station and Golborne Street (15 Feb 2006).	Access ramps for the new car park are assembled. This will eventually give access from Midland Way (22 Feb 2006).

Southern end of the site from the car park roof - once the access road for deliveries (22 Feb 2006).	Time is running out for photo opportunities from this viewpoint (22 Feb 2006).	Two views of Debenhams construction (22 Feb 2006).

MARCH 2006


Snowtime! Legh Street car park (4 Mar 2006).	Legh Street car park (4 Mar 2006).	Golden Square (4 Mar 2006).	Golden Square (4 Mar 2006).	One for sorrow. My Golden Square mascot (4 Mar 2006).

The White Hart pub (21 Mar 2006).	Golden Square from The White Hart (14 Mar 2006). My thanks to The White Hart staff for access to this viewing point.			Part of the new car park. Access from Midland Way will give rooftop and lower level parking (14 Mar 2006).

Debenhams store continues to grow (14 Mar 2006).	Old bus station site is now long gone (14 Mar 2006).	Old bus station site (21 Mar 2006).	Old Golborne Street (21 Mar 2006).	The artist impressions show a stunning exterior on Midland Way. This is the first section to show it for real (21 Mar 2006).

Old bus station site (29 Mar 2006).	Old service ramp site (29 Mar 2006).		Old Golborne Street (29 Mar 2006).	Debenhams progress (29 Mar 2006).

The old service road has been removed. The new access road is through the bus tunnel (29 Mar 2006).	Legh Street from outside the old swimming baths, which closed in 2003 (Photo 29 Mar 2006).	Views of Legh Street from the north (first two images) and from the south in the third (29 Mar 2006).

Legh Street car park - a last look inside before it is demolished (photos 29 Mar 2006).			Legh Street car park from the outside (29 Mar 2006).	Legh Street panoramic from the south (29 Mar 2006).

APRIL 2006

	Legh Street car park was to be demolished to make way for the extension to Golden Square shopping centre. The first half was demolished in 2005. On Monday 3 April 2006 work began on the demolition of the remaining sections. All of the rubble is being recycled for use in the foundations of the new extension. Watch the phoenix rise from the ashes. Meanwhile, the three guys (pictured right) had a special request - one of them had a mate in South Africa and wanted him to see their photo on the web. No problem! (Photo taken 3 Apr 2006.)
Photo taken 22 Feb 2004.

April 2006 saw the demolition of the second half of Legh Street car park. I don't think there were many tears shed when it was closed.


A trial run on the southwest corner of the car park (3 Apr 2006).		4 Apr 2006 sees DinoSaur Machine and Big Daddy in action, the names I gave to the machines supplied by DSM Demolition of Birmingham. DinoSaur Machine is now known as Crusher. If he says it's Friday - it's Friday!

7 Apr 2006 - a dramatic first shot of a stairwell coming down. It is now the end of week one. The centre image is a panoramic shot of the whole site. The 4th image was taken for me from the steps of the nearby Cowboys and Angels nursery by one of the staff. Thanks for that.

The view from Midland Way and Legh Street (10 Apr 2006).		The final day - 11 Apr 2006.
		On 19 April, 2006, I was invited onto the site to photograph Golden Square from new angles. The next 7 images are the outcome of that visit. I would like to express my appreciation to Steve for arranging the visit and to Tom for finding the time in his busy schedule to escort me round the works.
All over bar the shouting - 11 Apr 2006.			The view over the new car park ramp showing the bus station. Also see Central Station (left) and the Parish Church (centre).	Looking south from what will become the roof-top car park.

The large open space at the centre of this image is where Legh Street car park once stood.	The car park site at ground level. It originally opened 4 November, 1975, and closed 2 April, 2006.	The next three images are taken from the opposite end of the site, near WHSmith and Marks and Spencer. In just 12 months time, this large space will feature Debenhams at one end and Boots at the other.

MAY - JUNE 2006


Site of Golborne Street and Legh Street car park (16 May 2006).		Debenhams from Midland Way (16 May 2006).	The beginning of Boots Corner view south on Legh Street (25 May 2006).

Legh Street view from the north (15 Jun 2006).	Boots Corner -my unofficial name for this part of Legh Street. When Boots was on the corner of Bridge Street and Sankey Street, the area was known as Boots Corner (photo 15 Jun 2006).	This photo was taken by one of the construction workers during a break. Thanks. (15 Jun 2006)	Debenhams from Midland Way on 15 Jun 2006.

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2006


Car parking facilities are now available within Golden Square itself, featuring a lift, stairs and disabled spaces. You arrive right at the heart of Golden Square by Clinton's card shop (opposite HMV) (Photos 6 Jul 2006).		Construction of Boots at the southern end of Legh Street (6 Jul 2006).		Midland Way (6 Jul 2006).

On site. First image taken from the roof of Debenhams. Then three shots from the very centre of the site, looking towards Legh Street (12 Jul 2006.)				Car park entrance from Midland Way (12 Jul 2006).

Glass panels now going in at Debenhams (12 Jul 2006).	Boots Corner (12 Jul 2006).	Legh Street viewed north (12 Jul 2006).	The opening date is announced, although in the end it was missed due to technical problems (17 Jul 2006).	The existing building is being upgraded to match the new malls (17 Jul 2006).

Not that long ago you could still see Marks & Spencer from here (21 Jul 2006).	Debenhams progress (21 Aug 2006).	Worms-eye view from Legh Street looking south (22 Sep 2006).	View from Legh Street looking north east (22 Sep 2006).	Debenhams from Kendrick Street (22 Sep 2006).

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2006


Golborne Street (12 Oct 2006).	Midland Way (12 Oct 2006).	A dramatic view of Debenhams (left) and Legh Street (9 Nov 2006).

Rooftop view of town centre (21 Dec 2006).	Rooftop car parking (21 Dec 2006).	A car leaves the rooftop parking area (21 Dec 2006).	Inside the car park (21 Dec 2006).

Back on Golborne Street (21 Dec 2006).	And again on Midland Way (21 Dec 2006).	Two views of the bus tunnel, but where are the buses? Well, it's Christmas Day 2006 and DJKenny, who took these photos, is the only person down there!

JANUARY - JULY 2007


Debenhams (12 Jan 2007).	Boots Corner (12 Jan 2007).	View from Midland Way (12 Jan 2007).	A view of Debenhams and the railway bridge. It was sent to me by Mark on 17 January 2007. Thanks Mark for the use of your photo.

Debenhams (1 Feb 2007).	A flight of stairs next to the bus tunnel gives access to the shopping centre by Debenhams (1 Feb 2007).	The last section of Golborne Street shows a mighty crane preparing for a lift (1 Feb 2007).	A view inside the centre, although I never posted it online until 2009. It was taken 23 Mar 2007.

The final push for opening. Midland Way, Legh Street entrance and Boots (16 Apr 2007).			This area is now known as Hilden Square, where Golborne Street used to be by the White Hart pub (Photo taken 15 Jul 2007).

The extension to Golden Square shopping centre opened to the public on Thursday 24 May, 2007, celebrating the arrival of Debenhams department store, along with new names like H&M, Oasis, Republic, Jane Norman, La Senza and Bank.

And this is how Legh Street looked on 18 March 2009


Boots Corner.	Debenhams.	Midland Way/Legh Street.	Legh Street.	Legh Street Baths.

I am grateful to Golden Square management for allowing me to publish
photographs of their property. For the latest news, check out their website

Golden Square Shopping Centre is located at the very heart of Warrington. Work began in 1973 to clear the land bordered by Golborne Street, Horsemarket Street and Sankey Street. The Queen unveiled a plaque at the centre in 1979 but the building work was not completed until 1983.