East Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury said he hopes the demolition of a notorious eyesore building signals the start of a promised regeneration.

The Labour member for Weaver Vale welcomed the bulldozing of East Lane House, next to Runcorn Shopping City, after urging the developer behind a £62m vision for the site to ‘get on with it!’ earlier this year.

More than two years ago Shah Capital gained planning permission to demolish the former office block and replace it with housing, a care home and hotel but it was thought the scheme had stalled.

Mr Amesbury, who has visited the demolition site, said: "Finally, the monstrosity that is East Lane House in Runcorn is being pulled down. This derelict building was an eyesore for far too long and had become a dangerous attraction as evidenced by several arson attacks.

"Now we need to see regeneration, with the homes and community facilities people need through re-purposing this brownfield site."

Runcorn and Widnes World: CGI image of the scheme which was intended to be built on the site. Developers have since pulled the plug. Image from Shah CapitalCGI image of the scheme which was intended to be built on the site. Developers have since pulled the plug. Image from Shah Capital (Image: PR)

He added: "I look forward to witnessing renewal and rejuvenation of the area. Other nearby blots on the landscape are in my targets like the former magistrates’ court building, which has been targeted by vandals and criminals.

"I will be banging on the doors of Halton Council, the Metro Mayor and combined authority, government agency Homes England and developers towards achieving that aim."

In January 2022, Halton Council's development management committee unanimously backed proposals to bulldoze most of East Lane House and replace it with 144 apartments, nine mews houses, a boutique hotel and care home.

Plans showed a seven-storey care home with 66 residential units and the five-storey 85-room hotel, to be run by Best Western under its Aiden brand, plus a 60-seat restaurant, gym and bar.

Documents accompanying the scheme claimed the hotel would generate 28 full-time jobs, while the care home would employ 10 people.

But in January the firm announced it had scrapped the plans, blaming among other things interest rate rises.

Shah Capital Ltd bought East Lane House for £1,650,000 in October 2016.