Diggers move in to pave way for affordable waterfront homes

The World reported last December how Halton Council had secured £291,000 from a government programme to support the development of new homes on surplus publicly-owned brownfield sites.

The money from the One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund was earmarked to bulldoze Belvedere House and Churchill Hall on Cooper Street in Runcorn town centre, with plant machinery now on site and demolition work well underway. 

The buildings were owned by the council but had been long term vacant and were assessed to be 'beyond their useful life' by the authority. Council chiefs have previously stated the funding would be used to prepare the site for future development of affordable new homes, in partnership with social housing provider Halton Housing.

Halton Council is developing plans with Halton Housing to deliver homes for families and young people on the site in Runcorn town centre. (Image: PR)

Posting on Facebook the town's MP  Mike Amesbury welcomed the move. He said: "Great to see more regeneration work taking place in Runcorn town centre. The council is working up plans with Halton Housing to deliver homes for families and young people that will also make the most of the attractive waterfront setting."

The work comes 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, youth centre and work to transform the local canal network.

Mr Amesbury added: "This project will bring further investment and development into the town centre, on top of the £23.6m already secured from the government’s Town’s Fund to deliver the Runcorn Town Investment Plan.

"Attracting more people to live in the town centre will help increase footfall to support local shops, businesses and community facilities."