£23.6m funding allocated to seven ‘Reconnecting Runcorn’ Town Deal projects

Under the banner of ‘Reconnecting Runcorn’ these projects will collectively help to make Runcorn a prime location, by providing the workforce, connectivity and infrastructure to support local businesses and enable the local community to thrive.

In July 2021, it was announced that Runcorn would be awarded the £23.6m as part of the Government’s Town Deal scheme, following the submission of the Runcorn Town Investment Plan (TIP) at the start of the year. Given the title ‘Reconnecting Runcorn’, the TIP was made up of seven projects, suggested by local people, businesses, community groups, and the local authority.

In its submission, the Runcorn Town Investment Plan had asked for £24.9m of Government funding.

The Runcorn Town Deal Board has now agreed revised funding allocations for each of the seven ‘Reconnecting Runcorn’ projects.

Commenting on the funding allocations Adrian Fillingham, Chair of the Runcorn Town Board said “We have seven really fantastic projects that we believe will improve the lives and livelihoods of local people and boost the local economy.

“Each of these projects brings something different…something unique that will add real value to Runcorn. So it was important to us to find a way to keep all seven of the projects alive, while closing the gap in funding, which we have been able to do by making some small adjustments to projects.”

The seven ‘Reconnecting Runcorn’ projects (together with the allocated funding) within the Runcorn Town Investment plan are:

Runcorn Station Quarter £1,245,643: A new enterprise facility as part of the revamped station gateway, with quality modern offices, that are not available in the town centre, located in an open and welcoming new green environment. This will attract new businesses, providing a wider variety of job opportunities for all, in the heart of the local community, in more welcoming and accessible green environment.

Unlock Runcorn £4,918,025: A new and unique visitor offer, maximising the use of heritage and waterway assets, providing increased visitor footfall and spend, to help the town centre thrive and take advantage of the canal and its surroundings

Brindley Theatre Enhancement £6,606,231: A well-designed extension to the Brindley Theatre with a large cafe-restaurant, and a welcoming, safe, and inclusive civic space on the Brindley green, providing a more accessible and visible cultural destination

Town Centre New Homes £960,294 : New quality homes on a variety of sites, which have been left undeveloped due to contamination and other issues. This will provide new homes for an ageing population and attract families with young children.

High Street Connectivity £2,820,198: A more pedestrian and cycling friendly High Street environment, providing better local connections, and more opportunities for active lifestyles, social interaction and wellbeing.

Health and Education Hub £2,853,520: A new health and education facility on the High Street providing local residents improved access to a wider variety of health, wellbeing, and training services

Creative and Digital Skills Centre £3,960,089: A new skills facility on the high street providing, especially young people, access to creative and digital play, learn, and training for future employment opportunities

With funding allocations now agreed, work will continue in the coming months to develop the specific details of each project in order to produce a robust business case that must be submitted to Government by Summer 2022.

Each business case will be scrutinised by Government and if accepted, funding will be released so that work to deliver the projects can begin.