THE next phase of a major regeneration plan for Runcorn Town Centre has been given the go ahead.

But project chiefs have also urged caution about the potential impact of the country's wider financial situation on future developments.

Halton was awarded £23.6m for seven projects in Runcorn from the government's towns fund last summer. Business cases were submitted in August for four of the schemes, and all four have now been approved - releasing £14m of government cash.

The four projects are part of the wider Reconnecting Runcorn Town Deal. Each scheme had to demonstrate how it met certain criteria set by the government.

This included setting out the outcomes and benefits to the community, assurance that the project was fully costed and that it would deliver value for money, and that any potential risks have been identified and taken into consideration.

Having passed the government’s review process, £14m funding has now been confirmed for:

  • Runcorn Station Quarter: A new enterprise facility at the station gateway, with  modern offices.
  • Brindley Theatre Enhancement: An extension to the Brindley Theatre with a large cafe-restaurant and a civic space on the Brindley Green.
  • Health and Education Hub: A new health and education facility in the town centre providing local residents improved access to a wider variety of health, wellbeing, and training services.
  • Creative and Digital Skills Centre: A new skills facility on the High Street offering young people access to creative and digital play, learn, and training for future employment opportunities.

Adrian Fillingham, chair of the Runcorn Town Deal Board, said:

"The confirmation by government that four business cases have been approved is great news for Runcorn.  It is an achievement that will drive transformation of Runcorn town centre in the years to come.

“While we are delighted that the funding has been released, this is tempered by a degree of caution, given the current challenges being faced by national and global economies - of which Runcorn will not be immune.

“We are already hearing anecdotal stories of the impact of rising inflation on construction costs."

The three remaining business cases will be submitted to government this month.

Mr Fillingham added: "Most of our seven projects are still in the early stages of development, with some projects expected to start on site during summer 2023, so we will need to watch closely to see how the situation develops into next year to determine what the impact may be for our Reconnecting Runcorn plans."