Runcorn town centre will receive more than £23 million in government funding to create housing, leisure, employment and training projects over the next few years.

The World previously revealed that Halton Council was set to be successful in its bid for the Towns Fund cash, with official confirmation coming this afternoon.

The award is part of a £167 million pot given to seven areas across the North West intended to support regeneration, sustain jobs, boost skills and improve connectivity.

In Runcorn, the projects which have now got the go ahead, are:

  • Runcorn Station Quarter: Redevelopment of the area to create a new office location, with 1,750 sq m of offices supporting 88 jobs. Due to open in 2024.
  • Health and Education Hub: A new health and education hub at the heart of the town centre providing support for people to get back into work, with 120 training courses being delivered a year. Due to open in 2024.
  • High Street Connectivity: New and enhanced cycle and walking routes with improved infrastructure, footbridge and 54 homes.
  • Unlock Runcorn: A new visitor attraction and enhanced canalways to attract 100,000 visitors to the town centre a year, with work due for completion by 2025.
  • Creative and Digital Skills Centre: A new creative shared learning and workspace facility creating 33 jobs and providing 240 skills courses a year. Due to open in 2025.
  • Brindley Theatre enhancement: A £6.72 million upgraded theatre and improved conference spaces, due for completion in 2024.
  • New homes: Development on brownfield sites to create 140 new town centre homes, due for completion in 2024/25.

Other areas to receive money in the region are Birkenhead, Crewe, Darwen, Millom, Nelson and St Helens.

Luke Hall, minister for regional growth and local government, said:

“It’s been a challenging time for towns across the country, which is why it’s more important than ever we give them the support they need to build back better from the pandemic.

“People across the North West will feel the benefit of this Towns Fund investment, as it powers local plans, revitalising town centres and making them great places to live, work and visit.

“We’ve now confirmed nearly half a billion pounds from the fund in the North West, backing innovative projects to ensure that the region can flourish for generations to come.”