AMBITIOUS plans for the £60m regeneration of part of Runcorn have gone out to public consultation.

Social landlord Riverside has published proposals for the regeneration of Hallwood Park and Palace Fields following three years of consultations  with residents as well as Halton Borough Council, MPs, councillors, local groups and community organisations.

The £60m scheme will take around 10 years to deliver. It is expected to require around £30m of public funding, with funding bids in development and some nearing completion.

In a previous consultation with residents, people said they wanted to see:

  • Better housing choices
  • An improved local centre
  • A safer community
  • Better and safer travel
  • Community activities
  • Climate change focused projects.

Riverside has worked with architects, engineers and the council to start to design a scheme and said the Local Centre and The Uplands would be set to receive 'significant change and investment' in the coming years alongside other projects.

The proposals are set to be showcased to residents in the area both via post - with all residents in the area receiving a detailed information pack - and through individual appointments.

Drop-in sessions will also be held across both neighbourhoods to continue to design the potential construction projects in the Local Centre, The Uplands and to discuss wider changes across Halton Lea, such as community projects, landscaping improvements and energy efficient projects. In addition, focus groups are being setup to gain feedback and input from the local community.

Riverside said it will be talking to over 300 households whose homes are in key locations within the Local Centre and The Uplands to deliver the physical changes to the area.

A spokesman said it was important to stress the plans are first stage proposals and could change depending on feedback.

Andrea Thorn, Director of Homes and Communities for Riverside, said:

“This is an exciting time for Hallwood Park and Palace Fields and a once in a lifetime opportunity for the area to get the regeneration support it needs.

“However, we appreciate it may also be an uncertain and worrying time for some households who may be concerned at how change will affect them and their living circumstances.

“Through this consultation exercise, we want to explain to the community how we think we could change the physical landscape of the area for the better and get their views.

“Please be assured that Riverside has over 90 years of experience in revitalising neighbourhoods and will support residents throughout the process.

“It’s important to remember this is a first stage proposal and not set in stone; we’re very much open to feedback and change if the community feels the initial proposals don’t work for them.”

Local politicians welcomed the plans, with Runcorn East MP Mike Amesbury adding:

“I’m delighted to see the emerging proposals from Riverside to regenerate parts of Halton Lea.

“From shaping a new local centre that would create a much-needed heart of the community, to improving green space and designing local projects, the proposals will strengthen the neighbourhoods for the future.

“Offering a variety of housing options including shared ownership, that have long been missing in this area, will also enable existing residents to thrive and could attract new residents to ensure a sustainable community in the long term.”

Consultation information is also available here.