Pub’s opening spells start of new future for long derelict site
from the local authority to stabilise and cap a massive layer of land contaminated by toxic galligu industrial waste.
The regeneration project is being carried out by Halton Council, Wild Goose Construction and Neptune Developments.
Halton Council’s leader said he was pleaded with the results so far.
He said: “I’m delighted that the pub has opened and to see it so busy – I think it’s going to be a big success with people in Halton. We have waited many ● years to see this site developed as it is an important gateway in to the town centre. The pub looks great, and with its location near to the canal and The Brindley, it will be really good for the town.”
Asked whether it was ‘just another family pub’ in interview after the ribbon-cutting Cllr Polhill said: “Well, I think it’s more than a family pub.
“I think it’s a big deal for us because we’ve waited for up to 18 years to get something on this site, obviously Marston’s have come along and as you can see it’s a fantastic facility, both for adults without their kids and for the family with the kids.
“They cater for everybody and I think the people of Runcorn will be really pleased with it.
“I’m very impressed, I think it’s fantastic.
“I’ve been watching it, as we go past, getting built, the roof being done and getting fitted out so I’m really pleased with it, I think people will be really pleased to see the facilities they’re offering.” ● ●
Asked whether he was happy with the land remediation works he said: “Yeah, when it’s completely finished we’re having a coffee house built as you can see and a big car park and a bridge that will go across the canal, which will be all refurbished up and I think it will be really good when it’s finished.”
Cllr Polhill also gave his thoughts on whether the project could address the oftenheard gripe that ‘Widnes gets everything’.
He said: “I really do (think it will), I think it’s really good, I think a lot of people from Widnes will be coming over here and tramping on the Runcorn soil to fill their stomachs and enjoy the facility.
“Halton’s the place to be now, it’s coming on in leaps and bounds. There is a lot to offer here and you only have to look around.”
The council leader also responded to concerns over whether opening another cof- fee outlet was wise considering there is already a Starbucks over the road, another Costa due to open on Church Street and existing cafes and outlets including Sue’s Cafe, The Bridge Deli and Bon Appetit.
Asked whether he thought they could co-exist and if there was enough custom to go round, he said: “I think there’s got to be, they wouldn’t do it if there wasn’t, these people are quite up on these things, the market must be there if people are opening.”
Adam Williams, Ten Lock Flight manager, said: “We are really excited to show our new pub off, the interest in the site has already been overwhelming and it is so great to have that kind of positive response from locals already.
“We are really thankful to mayor and mayoress of Halton coming to officially open the Ten Lock Flight, it has really made this day that extra bit special.”