A significant milestone has been reached in delivering the vision for Runcorn Station Quarter, with the construction phase of work now completed.
Runcorn Station Quarter is a series of transformational projects that will together achieve improved connectivity across Runcorn, Halton and the wider Liverpool City Region, as well as a new, welcoming gateway that features outstanding public realm space and new opportunities for businesses, leisure and housing.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has invested £18.2m Transforming Cities Funding and £0.55m of OFGEM’s Green Recovery Investment Funding into Runcorn Station Quarter – which so far has delivered:
Refurbishment of the Silver Jubilee Bridge with new paintwork and significant maintenance works. The bridge has been reconfigured reducing the number of lanes from the previous four down to two, with new dedicated cycle lanes.
New Highway Layout with the construction of a new five-arm roundabout that creates better connections between the Silver Jubilee Bridge, Runcorn Town Centre and Runcorn Station.
Runcorn Trumpet Loop Demolition removing redundant roads and structures freeing up land for redevelopment and bringing light and space back to the Dukesfield area and giving clear sight lines from Runcorn Station to the local area.
Runcorn Station Piazza creating an impressive welcome to Runcorn and improved passenger experience for rail users. The piazza will also be a space for the local community to enjoy and will facilitate the development of the surrounding sites.
Talking about the programme of works, Halton Borough Council Leader Cllr Mike Wharton said: “I’m sure those who know this area, will agree with me that the transformation which has taken place has been nothing short of incredible!
“Gone are imposing, concrete structures that once ‘greeted’ passengers at Runcorn Station, making way instead for this new light, open space, with views across to the town centre, including The Brindley.
“Local people are already feeling the benefits of the better road connections and improved environment. I’m filled with optimism that we will soon see our vision of Runcorn Station Quarter as a vibrant and thriving location for business, leisure and housing come to full fruition.”
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram, said: “The transformation of Runcorn Station Quarter feels like an important symbolic moment for devolution. The concrete monolith that went before has been replaced by an open, vibrant and welcoming new gateway to the area. We’ve invested nearly £22m in the whole project and it looks like money well spent.
“Runcorn Station Quarter’s redevelopment is a statement of confidence to develop a more modern, welcoming and better-connected transport network and an opportunity for the wider regeneration of the Runcorn area.
“Paired with our future plans for Halton, this project is helping to deliver all of that and more. This is just the start. Working with Cllr Mike Wharton and Halton Council, there will be further opportunities for business, leisure, transport and housing. It’s a vision I can’t wait to see brought to life.”
Edward Lundon, Balfour Beatty Area Director, said: “We are delighted to mark the completion of Runcorn Station Quarter, concluding three years of hard work. This significant achievement is testament to the expert capabilities of our people, who have worked tirelessly to provide a lasting positive legacy for communities in Runcorn; enhancing and improving transport connectivity to the wider Liverpool City Region.”
Simon Brooks, Station Manager at Runcorn for Avanti West Coast, said: “Congratulations to all those involved in making this happen. A real team effort. The transformation has been incredible and we can’t wait to see the reaction of our customers, and playing our part in giving the town a station to be proud of.”
Future plans for Runcorn Station Quarter include improved walking and cycling links between the station and town centre.
Runcorn Station Quarter is one of 14 areas across Halton that together form the Mersey Gateway Regeneration Plus Plan – a £1billion regeneration project – made possible by the opening of the Mersey Gateway which unlocked significant development and investment opportunities within Halton, the City Region and beyond.
