MAJOR funding has been approved to ‘transform’ the face of Runcorn.

Leaders of Halton Borough Council are ‘delighted’ by news that the huge £23.6million investment deal has been secured for the town.

The ‘Reconnecting Runcorn’ programme was first given the green light back in July 2021 as part of the Government’s Town Deal scheme.

Made up of seven different projects suggested by residents, businesses, community groups and the local authority, the plan hopes to transform the town and draw people back into the area.

Halton Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Town Deal Board member, Cllr Dave Thompson, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve now secured funding for all Reconnecting Runcorn projects which means we can now move forward with the exciting plans set to transform Runcorn.”

The Town Deal Board oversaw the prioritisation of projects and in November 2022 the Towns Fund money was secured for the first four projects: Brindley Theatre Enhancement, Creative and Digital Skills Centre, Health and Education Hub, and Runcorn Station Quarter Enterprise Facility.

The three remaining projects – High Street Connectivity, Town Centre New Homes, and Unlock Runcorn – have now also secured Towns Fund investment.

High Street Connectivity: A more pedestrian and cycling friendly environment, providing better local connections and more opportunities for active lifestyles, social interaction and wellbeing.

Town Centre New Homes: Two different brownfield sites where future residential development can be prepared.

Unlock Runcorn: An extension of the Bridgewater canal in a larger open space, landscaped area, with a visitor café point and mooring for a canal trip boat.

Chair of the Runcorn Town Deal Board, Adrian Fillingham said: “The Board is very pleased with the confirmation from Government of funding for the Reconnecting Runcorn programme of projects - we are proud to have been involved in the preparation and submission of the bid.

"In 2023 we will start to enter the delivery phase of the programme, and residents will start to see things changing on the ground. The delivery phase is a challenging but most exciting phase.

To share the ‘excitement’ of securing the funding deal an event will be held on Friday, April 21 at The Brindley with anyone and everyone welcome to join the celebrations.

 “I hope you will join us and  learn more about the proposals,” Mr Fillingham added.