Baltic brains behind ‘quirky’ town office complex
A FORMER inflatables park near Runcorn Station is to be redeveloped as small business complex with “quirky” offices and spaces in a collaboration with Sci-Tech Daresbury and the group behind the regeneration of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.
Halton Borough Council announced the plan as it revealed it has appointed K2 Architects to draw up plans for the vacant Elite House building on Shaw Street, previously occupied by Inflatanation.
The local authority said it is also in discussions with Baltic Creative CIC (Community Interest Company) to manage the repurposed enterprise facility alongside Sci-Tech Daresbury, thus linking the town centre with the internationally renowned research site.
It is hoped the “quirky, quality modern” offices and spaces for small businesses will attract higherskilled, higher-paid jobs to the area.
Baltic Creative’s past projects include regenerating the Baltic Triangle district in Liverpool, which Halton Council said was recognised internationally as an “exemplar approach” to creative and digital business growth and breathing new life into an area.
The Elite House development is expected to benefit from part of the £23.6m Town Deal funding allocated to Runcorn town centre.
Adrian Fillingham, Runcorn Town Investment Board chairman, said: “How fantastic would it be if we could replicate the success of the Baltic Triangle, right in the heart of Runcorn.
“I’m really excited by this proposal and the gap it would fill in the current Runcorn town centre offer.
“The facility’s excellent strategic location close to the West Coast mainline will offer Liverpool City Region’s creative and digital industry a link with the internationally recognised Sci-Tech Daresbury site and hopefully bring new jobs into the area.
“Our discussions with various stakeholders are really positive and I am hopeful that the delivery of this Reconnecting Runcorn project will be the next step in the continuing transformation of Runcorn Station Quarter.”
A council spokesperson said regeneration works around Runcorn Station Quarter are already making it easier to travel around the borough, adding the enterprise facility will combine with easier movement and other projects to improve residents’ lives and livelihoods and boost the economy.