The new café at Pickering’s Pasture in Widnes has been officially opened by Halton’s Mayor, Cllr Pamela Wallace.
Run for the Council by Danny Esposito, the café has been carefully designed to take full advantage of the spectacular views across the River Mersey, and sit comfortably within its distinctive natural surroundings, creating a special place for people to gather, unwind, and connect with nature.
It is the perfect addition to the outstanding 12-hectare park, which sits on the route of the Trans-Pennine Trail, a popular national walking and cycling network. The new facility will provide significant benefits to the communities of Hale Village and Halebank Ward, offering a welcoming space for visitors, improved amenities for park users, and a dedicated base for the Friends of Pickering’s Pasture to support their ongoing volunteering activities and commitment to caring for this much-loved park.
The £700k Halton Borough Council project, was delivered by inhouse teams working in partnership with Cassidy & Ashton Group Ltd., architects and Whitfield & Brown Ltd., main contractor. It was funded through the INEOS/Viridor Energy from Waste Environmental Improvement Fund, while the surrounding improvements were supported through Section 106 environmental improvement contributions.
Joining the Mayor and Consort for the opening was Cllr Dave Thompson (Deputy Leader), alongside community members, schoolchildren, project partners, and volunteers. Speaking at the event, the Mayor said: “The new café will be a valued asset for the community. It supports the work of the Friends Group and offers a warm and welcoming stop for park users, as well as those walking and cycling along the Trans-Pennine Trail.”