A new consultation programme has been launched to gather feedback on the emerging vision for Runcorn Town Centre and the projects that could make it a reality.
Work has been progressing rapidly in the development of a vision for Runcorn, following a consultation exercise that was held in October and extensive work with community representatives over a number of years in the development of a Runcorn Town Deal.
The Runcorn Town Deal Board are now preparing to submit an application to the Towns Fund at the end of January 2021 to secure up to £25 million of funding, but before that happens they want to hear people’s views on the final plans. The proposals could secure funding for 14 projects around the town centre, each of which would contribute to an overall vision designed to:
- Runcorn Town will be an attractive area for businesses to locate, providing a stronger local economy with a wider variety of job opportunities in the heart of the community, more accessible to local people.
- Runcorn Town will be an attractive place for people to live, where its population enjoys better average health with a services offer more accessible to the community.
- Runcorn Town will be an attractive place for people to visit, with new and improved visitor destinations maximising the potential of its heritage, waterways, and culture.
Chair of the Runcorn Town Deal Board, Adrian Fillingham, said: “The vision for Runcorn Town Centre has the potential to be transformative for local people and businesses. Runcorn has enormous potential, with unrivalled links to towns and cities across the UK and thriving businesses around the town. With support from local people, community groups and businesses, and hopefully funding from the Towns Fund, we have an opportunity to make a real difference to the future of our town. But now is the time for everyone to get involved and have their final say before we submit our bid, so please let us know what you think.”
Cllr Ron Hignett, Halton Borough Council’s portfolio holder for the Physical Environment, added: “We believe that we’re making great progress to prepare a town investment plan for Runcorn and we want to share our plans with local people and we value your opinion.”
The Towns Fund is a £3.6 billion Government initiative which was established to transform towns like Runcorn, with funding to be shared nationally on boosting the economy through improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture with areas given the green light to work up proposals.
A dedicated questionnaire on the Runcorn Town Deal vision and suggested projects is available to complete from now until the 21st January 2021 and can be located here:
For more information on the Towns Fund, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/towns-fund-prospectus