The grant announced today is part of the Government’s Towns Fund, aimed at boosting the local economy through investment in regeneration, infrastructure, skills and culture.
The Runcorn Town Investment Plan (RTIP) is made up of seven projects suggested by local people, businesses, community groups, and the local authority. The RTIP asked for £25m of Government funding.
The Plan seeks to build on Runcorn’s strengths and address its challenges through improved training and economic opportunities, environmental and transport improvements, and upgraded visitor attractions.
Following a consultation process, a long list of projects was compiled and prioritised according to the funding criteria, resulting in the seven projects that were put forward:
- Creative and Digital Skills Centre – create a new home for the growing creative and digital sector.
- Health and Education Hub – provide residents with access to integrated services, including health, education and job seeking advice.
- Unlock Runcorn – create the first phase of the canal link between the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal.
- Brindley Theatre Enhancement – improve the theatre’s offer and the surrounding space.
- Runcorn Station Quarter – create a new enterprise hub with flexible office space.
- Town centre new homes.
- High Street Transformation – re-purpose and improve existing infrastructure and make the town more legible and connected.
Now, further work to prioritise these projects, detailing how each project can be completed within the funding allocation, will commence. It will be submitted to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government as the next step in the formal process to secure the funding.
Cllr Mike Wharton, Leader of Halton Borough Council, says: “I am delighted that all the hard work of our Council officers, working with our partners, has come to fruition. It is great news for Runcorn and Halton.
“This funding will transform Runcorn ‘Old Town’. There is a lot of hard work to come to bring these projects to life but there are certainly exciting times ahead. This will transform the whole area, creating many opportunities for our residents.”
Halton MP Derek Twigg, says: “I am delighted with the award of nearly £24m from the Town Deal Fund to help regenerate Runcorn Town Centre. I know from listening to my constituents over the years that one of the most important issues locally was to try and reverse the decline of Runcorn Town Centre. This award of £23.6m presents us with a great opportunity for the town centre with some very exciting projects, including making a start on the Unlock Runcorn project, which is a great step forward in making it a reality.
“I wish to thank all the other members of the board, which included Halton Council and its Leader Cllr Mike Wharton, local business and community representatives. It could not have happened without their hard work and cooperation.”
Said Adrian Fillingham, Chair of the Runcorn Town Deal Board: “The hard work of the Town Deal Board has been rewarded in this funding announcement. The Board has ensured that the views of the many people who took part in the consultation were included in the submission.
“We are very pleased with the announcement and are now looking forward to continue working with Halton Council, who will be responsible for delivering a range of projects to support our communities, businesses, and especially young people to provide a brighter future in Runcorn.”
Cllr Dave Thompson, the Council’s portfolio holder for Major Projects, added: “After such a very difficult year for all Halton residents and businesses, the announcement of this funding is really welcome news. The Runcorn Town Investment Plan has the potential to transform the lives of local people and businesses in Runcorn and would benefit all of Halton.
“With the support we have had from the local community groups in putting the Plan together, and now the investment, we have a great opportunity to make the vision a reality.
“The Council, the Town Deal Board and its partners, are ready to get started on many of the key projects as soon as we can.”
For more information on the Towns Fund and the Runcorn Town Investment Plan, go to
https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/regen/towndeal.aspx