Regeneration plan for coming decade
A10-YEAR regeneration plan for Runcorn and Widnes based on the launch of the Mersey Gateway bridge project is being drawn up.
‘Mersey Gateway Plus’ will be tabled today before Halton Council’s executive board today for approval with proposals including a Destination Runcorn station quarter development and phase three of the Mersey Multi Modal Gateway (3MG).
If backed, the plan is expected to be formally launched in May.
A report published before the executive board meeting said the plan’s aim is to develop a steady supply of regeneration and development opportunities over 10-15 years, starting in 2017.
It said the Mersey Gateway Plus project is among several council regeneration documents being compiled, others including ‘Halton Tomorrow’, a ‘single investment fund pipeline’, an economic assessment and a ‘ Why Halton?’ brochure.
The report’s author said the borough was on ‘the front foot’ following £1bn of investment over the last five years in expanding advanced manufacturing, logistics and service industries, with the Mersey Gateway to boost commercial confidence further.
They added that the borough is strategically located between the triangle of Liverpool, Manchester and Chester, between Liverpool and ● Manchester airports and with rail and shipping freight connections.
The plan is expected to set out steps that will generate 200 hectares of employment land, create or protect 20,000 jobs and lead to the construction of 20,000 homes.
Eight key impact areas are identified in the plan: west Runcorn, Halton Lea Healthy New Town centre, Astmoor, West Bank, Widnes Waterfront, southern Widnes on Moor Lane and Ashley Way, the ‘Ditton corridor’ with Ditton Station’s re-opening identified as an opportunity, and Runcorn Old Town centre.
Other areas will also be promoted as part of the project: Widnes town centre, Manor Park and ‘Whitehouse Vale’.
The report said Daresbury is also identified as a source of opportunity.
Mersey Gateway Plus also includes several ‘place-shaping projects’ including the Destination Runcorn station quarter and 3MG phase three referred to above, as well as the ‘Inovyn world class chemical and energy hub’, a Silver Jubilee Bridge sustainable transport corridor, and a Mid-Mersey Estuary Park.
A promotional poster said the Runcorn station quarter could have a mixed used commercial and retail development alongside a multi-modal passenger transport hub.
It added that the Silver Jubilee Bridge will become the focus of increased walking, cycling and public transport after 80% of vehicle traffic transfers to the Mersey Gateway bridge.
Blurb on the poster said Halton’s ‘successful’ track record of regeneration has been based on collaboration, in particular with the private sector, adding that ‘regeneration doesn’t happen overnight or in isolation and investors deserve a red carpet, not red tape’.
A Mersey Gateway steering group will be established and expected to meet every 12 weeks to ensure that progress is up to pace.