Two buildings in Runcorn town centre are set to be demolished to make way for affordable housing.

Halton Council has secured £291,000 from a government programme designed to support the development of new homes on surplus publicly-owned brownfield sites.

The cash from the One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund will be used to bulldoze Belvedere House and Churchill Hall on Cooper Street in the town centre.

The adjoining buildings are owned by the council but have been long term vacant and have been assessed to be 'beyond their useful life' by the authority.

Cllr Stef Nelson, executive board member for urban renewal, said the  funding would be used to prepare the site for future development of new homes.

He said: "It is the council’s aspiration that the homes will be affordable housing for families and young people and make the most of the attractive waterfront setting.

"We are working in partnership with Halton Housing who manage properties adjacent to the site to develop proposals and, once finalised, these will be shared with the local community."

The demolition of buildings is anticipated to commence in Spring/Summer of 2024, subject to planning approval for the demolition work and appointment of a contractor.

The proposals come against the backdrop of ongoing regeneration in the town centre, with £23.6m having been secured from the government for a range of projects including upgrades to The Brindley theatre, a health and education hub and a creative and digital skills centre.

Cllr Dave Thompson, deputy leader and executive board member for major projects, added: "This plan includes attracting more people to live in the town centre, to help increase footfall to support local shops, businesses and community facilities to thrive.

"As part of developing proposals for the council-owned land, opportunities to improve the area to create better walking and cycling links to the waterfront promenade are being explored."