A major £20 million regeneration scheme for Runcorn town centre looks set to be given the go ahead.

The World understands Halton Council will be successful in its bid to the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund, with an announcement expected imminently.

The money would see seven new schemes get under way to redevelop the area, with projects that include housing, education and leisure.

The projects include:

  • Unlock Runcorn: A new visitor attraction and enhanced canalways to attract 100,000 visitors to the town centre a year, with work due for completion by 2025.
  • Creative and Digital Skills Centre: A new creative shared learning and workspace facility creating 33 jobs and providing 240 skills courses a year. Due to open in 2025.
  • Brindley Theatre enhancement: A £6.72 million upgraded theatre and improved conference spaces, due for completion in 2024.
  • New homes: Development on brownfield sites to create 140 new town centre homes, due for completion in 2024/25.
  • Runcorn Station Quarter: Redevelopment of the area to create a new office location, with 1,750 sq m of offices supporting 88 jobs. Due to open in 2024.
  • Health and Education Hub: A new health and education hub at the heart of the town centre providing support for people to get back into work, with 120 training courses being delivered a year. Due to open in 2024.
  • High Street Connectivity: New and enhanced cycle and walking routes with improved infrastructure, footbridge and 54 homes.

In 2019, the government announced a £3.6 billion funding package to be divided amongst 100 towns across England. In Halton, Runcorn was selected to bid, with a positive announcement thought to be due shortly.

David Parr, chief executive of Halton Borough Council, said: “The council have submitted a bid to government to fund the redevelopment of Runcorn town centre, we believe it’s a strong bid and we’re optimistic for a positive outcome.”