Ambitious plans to create a £770k new park in Widnes look set to be approved this week.

A new masterplan aims to transform Arley Drive playing fields and nearby green space on Bankfield Road into a new landscaped park with new paths, tables and chairs, cycle routes and upgraded lights and sports facilities.

The playing fields are already widely used by sports teams and the council said the plan was to retain them for sports use, but with improved parking, access and pitches.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

The proposals include:

  • Widening existing cycleways to create a shared pedestrian and cycle route. The new route will include seating areas and provide access to nearby streets and green areas.
  • New car parking for sports pitch users to tackle congestion in residential areas on match and training days.
  • Developing the existing grassland to create a 'high quality' park landscape with increased biodiversity, wild flowers and grass. There would also be a new network of paths linked to shaded groves of trees.
  • Contemporary furniture such as tables and chairs will be introduced.
  • Upgrading existing facilities such as the multi use games area.

A report to the council's ruling executive board, said: “Although different in character, this investment will raise the overall standard of the park in line with that of Halton’s other major open spaces such as Victoria Park, Town Park and Runcorn Hill Park and ensure that any future additional features and facilities are in keeping with the nature and character set out in this masterplan.”

Runcorn and Widnes World:

William Dwyer, 74, of Madeline Mckenna Court walks his nine-year-old Shih Tzu Mitchell on the playing fields and said he would welcome the plans.

He said: “It’s a nice area but it would be nice to get some benches. I’m not well at the moment so can only walk for a bit so it would be good to be able to sit down for a bit and then walk again.

“The fields are well used though, especially the sports area, but I think people would use it a lot more.”

The masterplan is due to go before the executive board on Thursday. If given the green light the improvements will be made over the next four to five years as funding becomes available.