The former Kingsway Leisure Centre site in Widnes has now been cleared to make way for the Kingsway Quarter, an exciting new residential neighbourhood in the town centre.
To celebrate the completion of the works, the site has been wrapped in promotional hoarding, providing concept designs and images of what the new homes and community could look like.
Clearance work on the site, which began after the opening of the new Halton Leisure Centre, on Moor Lane, was a complex project including removal of the former swimming pools and plant rooms. A temporary footpath through the site has also been reinstated, as it is a popular route for Riverside College students accessing the town centre.
Speaking about the completion of the works, Cllr Phil Harris, Executive Board Member for Housing Strategy, said: “This is an important milestone and the Council can press ahead with our plans for the Kingsway Quarter. This will deliver over 120 new homes in the heart of Widnes.
“Our vision is to bring forward a range of housing types to meet the needs of the local community in a quality environment with new green spaces to bring people together. With the new Housing Strategy for Halton now published, we have a much clearer idea of what that local need is.
“As well as affordable family housing and an extra care scheme for older people, our ambition is to incorporate some accommodation for young people who are seeking greater independence. A small number of specially designed houses for families with children or young adults who are disabled or have additional needs are also planned.
“The next step is to begin work with a trusted partner to bring the vision for the Kingsway Quarter to life. We hope to make a further announcement in coming months and share more information on the proposals with the community.”
The demolition of the former leisure centre was funded by the government’s One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2). This is a national programme to support the development of new homes on surplus publicly owned brownfield sites. The grant was secured following a joint bid in 2024 with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
*Kingsway Quarter covers an area of 2.4 hectares (5.9 acres) brownfield land at a prominent location with frontage onto Kingsway, Milton Road and Widnes Road. The site is owned by Halton Borough Council, and in addition to the former leisure centre includes the site of the former Widnes Police Station and Magistrates Court, and Broseley House. The Kingsway Quarter was identified as a priority regeneration scheme within IN Widnes, the Widnes Town Centre Regeneration Framework, which can viewed on the Council website here: framework – All Documents