Due to open by December 2019, the signing of the restaurant and bar concept is a key milestone in the strategy to secure a vibrant food and beverage mix at Time Square, blending established national brands with rising independents.  

The Botanist venue will span 10,000 sq ft and has been designed by an in-house team as a botanical haven for visitors, adorned with signature antique trinkets, greenery and a ‘water wall’ feature.  With an extensive outdoor area and capacity for 295 covers, The Botanist in Time Square will provide a unique offer for the region, with a wide selection of experimental botanical cocktails, a deli-inspired menu, live entertainment, and creative mixology masterclasses.  

Chris Hill, CEO at The New World Trading Company, commented: “Our successful roll-out of The Botanist has always factored in the potential of key regional towns across the UK and Time Square in Warrington was an opportunity not to be missed.  The vision for the development aligns with our brand, and it will be an ideal location for increasing our footprint in the North West region.”  

Leon Guyett, Development Director at Muse Developments, added: “The signing of The Botanist marks the successful launch of our dynamic food and beverage leasing approach for Time Square, setting a precedent for the calibre of offer we are seeking to create. Alongside our letting agent Metis, we are confident this news will create even more momentum amongst equally exciting brands.”  

The announcement follows news that a state-of-the-art 13-screen, 2,500 seat Cineworld complex will serve as Time Square’s leisure anchor.  The development also includes premium carparking, a continental European-style market hall, and new offices for Warrington Borough Council all set around an attractive, high-quality public realm.  

Situated in the centre of Warrington with excellent accessibility via the local road network, Time Square will meet the area’s high demand for a fresh retail, leisure and entertainment destination.  According to a report by CACI, Time Square will increase Warrington’s catering market potential by 14% to £68.5 million moving Warrington up three places to make it a top ten dining destination in the North West.  

Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, said:

“Anyone who has been to The Botanist before knows this is big news for Warrington. To attract a venue of such high quality and prestige is a real boost for the Time Square development and reinforces our vision for Warrington to be a top leisure and retail destination.

“This is the latest piece in the Time Square jigsaw, which will transform the face of Warrington town centre, bring a huge boost to our economy and attract visitors from across the borough and wider region. Securing such a high-profile tenant shows the confidence that our team is instilling in big businesses about the Time Square project. “These are exciting times for Warrington as we move towards a rejuvenated town centre, which the people of the borough deserve.”

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