RUNCORN Shopping City says it is ‘adapting and evolving’ in a bid to offer the best support it can for residents.

It comes following the official opening of its new NHS Health Hub, which is one of the first of its kind in the UK, as part of its ongoing plans to widen the centre’s offerings to the local community.

Halton Health Hub was created in partnership with Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, making it easier and more accessible for patients to attend appointments.

The hub offers dietetic, orthoptic and audiology services, as well as flu and Covid jabs, blood tests and out-of-hour extended GP access.

Recently the centre also saw a new Citizen’s Advice Bureau open, enabling people to access help with benefits, debt, access to fuel or food vouchers and job searches.

Dave Pearman, the shopping centre’s manager, said: “Following the Covid-19 pandemic, so much in the world has changed, and this obviously includes the retail landscape.

“People shop in different ways, with a heavy shift to online and the need for community services heightening.

“At Runcorn Shopping City, we are on a path to repositioning our offerings tailored to the needs of the local community.

“Easier access to medical appointments and in-person help to speak with an expert around citizen’s advice issues are services that are much needed and have been so positively received by Runcorn’s residents.

“Furthermore, the importance of engaging with others, not isolating ourselves and socialising is a large part of what we are building here.

“We realise shopping centres are no longer just places to shop, as they allow us to catch up with friends and family, meet colleagues for work meetings over a coffee, keep fit and so much more.

“We fully acknowledge Runcorn Shopping City may not be the same as it was previously, but it should not be because we are adapting, evolving and focussed on serving the needs of the local community.”

A huge variety of customer feedback commented on the centre’s ‘friendly and helpful staff’, ‘great essential services’, ‘easy access by public transport’ and ‘fun annual events’.

Dave added: “Christmas just gone was the first normal one since 2019, and we were thrilled to see a real hunger from people to immerse themselves in festive experiences, making memories again and with all the activities on offer free of charge.

“We are excited to keep on growing and refreshing how we cater to the real-life needs of Runcorn’s residents, in a way that goes one step further than ‘just’ a shopping centre.”