Do you want to help Runcorn get up to £25 million in investment from the Government’s £3.6b Towns Fund to further regenerate the Town Centre? Here is the chance to have a real say on the town’s future.
The Towns Fund was established to transform towns like Runcorn, with a focus on boosting the economy through improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture with areas given the green light to work up proposals
The Runcorn Town Deal Board was formed to advise the Council on its application and now it wants your views. The Council, along with 100 towns nationwide, were invited last year to develop proposals for a bid.
It comes as work continues on the innovative Station Quarter area and the dream of turning Runcorn into a major tourist destination, after plans were formally lodged for a £5m boat lift in the town centre.
The Runcorn Town Deal Board, containing a diverse section of local businesses and members, started work in January 2020 to consult on investment priorities for the Runcorn Town Investment Plan.
Halton Borough Council Executive Board Member for the Physical Environment, Cllr Ron Hignett, said: “This is fantastic opportunity for Runcorn to reach its potential. This cash could really help to transform the area.
“We are working with our local businesses and the community, to set out a compelling case that we hope will enable us to push forward with our vision for Runcorn as a place that works for residents, local business and visitors.
“The proposals and questionnaire are here, take a look and let us know your opinions. The vision document is on the Council’s website.”
https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/regen/tdquestionnaire.aspx
For more information https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/towns-fund-prospectus
Halton Borough Council adopted the Vision in 2017. It is a non-statutory, high-level document, which sets out ideas and aspirations for Runcorn Town. .
Runcorn Town Vision highlights the enormous potential of Runcorn Town following the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in 2017 and the big opportunity de-linking of the Silver Jubilee Bridge approach structures provides.
Chair of the Runcorn Town Deal Board, Adrian Fillingham, said: “The document sets out ambitions and priorities to shape Runcorn Town’s future. It illustrates the interconnectivity between key opportunity sites, demonstrating that Runcorn Town’s offer is significantly greater than the sum of its parts.
“Securing additional funding is crucial for its delivery, and the public’s view will form an integral part of our submission. I have no doubt that the Vision’s ambitions, delivered through a range of exciting opportunities and projects, will boost the attractiveness of our area as a place to live, work and visit.”
The aims and objectives are to:
1. Build a stronger town centre, through consolidation of the retail core and attraction of quality commercial investment at key sites;
2. Realise the potential of Runcorn Mainline Station, through the creation of a Station Quarter and opening up the road network;
3. Improve linkage, accessibility and movement between development opportunity sites and throughout the area as a whole;
4. Utilise its assets, such as the waterways, culture and heritage;
5. Grow the residential offer to provide a choice of quality homes to meet local needs and increase footfall in the town centre.
Many of these ideas are included in the Vision document, and in the Questionnaire below. The most popular post on the MyTown website is the aspiration to re-establish the link between the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal.
The deadline for submission of the Town Investment Plan is January 2021. The Board encourages local people and businesses to respond to the questionnaire.
This public questionnaire is available from 1 October 2020 until 28 October.
The response received from the public consultation questionnaire will be anonymously analysed and shared with the Runcorn Town Deal Board to develop the Town Investment Plan.