Primary School pupils help to bury three time capsules as part of Winsford town centre regeneration

Children from a local Primary School have helped to bury time capsules within the new public square by the relocated war memorials as part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s regeneration of Winsford Town Centre.

Year 4 pupils from Winsford High Street Primary School provided the contents for one of the capsules as part of a project with the Kier project team to learn more about the project, site safety and careers in construction.

The capsule contains a wide selection of artefacts that the children selected to provide future generations with an insight into life in Winsford in 2024. These include photographs of the children from their school trips, the school emblem, and an illustration of the school with a letter from the Headteacher, Mr. Joule. The children also included notes about their career aspirations, coins, postage stamps, a shopping receipt, and local newspapers.

Two time capsules were also reburied intact from their original location in Fountain Court under the cenotaph that were buried by Winsford Town Council in 1987 within Winsford Cross Shopping Centre.

The burying of time capsules was sponsored by Kier as part of their community engagement activities and the chamber will be marked with a commemorative stone plaque.

Sarah Morton, Regional Director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said:

“We have really enjoyed working with the pupils on these time capsules. It’s been fantastic to have the opportunity to teach the children both about the Winsford town centre regeneration and the wide range of career opportunities available within the construction industry.”

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“When the time comes to bury new time capsules, I hope these time capsules will provide a wonderful snapshot of life in Winsford as it is in 2024 and as it was in 1987 for future residents to discover.

“Thanks to the Winsford High Street Primary School pupils and staff for being part of this occasion, and for their enthusiasm in providing the artefacts and being part of the story of the regeneration of Winsford Town Centre. I would also like to thank Kier Construction for supporting this initiative and for their continued commitment to delivering a better town centre for Winsford, and for giving back to the local community.”

The Council’s regeneration of Winsford Town Centre is the biggest investment in the town centre shopping area since the 1960s. The redevelopment involves the construction of new and improved spaces for businesses, with a new Costa Coffee now open and work on a new B&M superstore well underway. There will be a new 168-space car park alongside improvements to walking, cycling access and dedicated cycle storage. New open public spaces are being created for pop-ups, events and visiting attractions, with more green space in the town centre than ever before, creating a relaxing and pleasant environment to enjoy. The town’s war memorials have recently been refurbished and relocated within a new public square in front of the library, working with the Royal British Legion and Winsford Town Council.

Further information on the regeneration of Winsford town centre can be found on the Council website:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/regeneration-of-west-cheshire/winsford-regeneration/town-centre