Halton Borough Council Secures £20 Million Funding for Runcorn Old Town Regeneration

Halton Borough Council is delighted to confirm the plans for £20 million in Long-Term Plan for Towns (LTPT) funding for Runcorn Old Town. Over the next decade, this transformative investment will deliver substantial improvements to the area, revitalising its town centre, high streets, and surrounding community spaces.

Runcorn Old Town is among 55 towns across the UK selected for this landmark place-based regeneration programme, designed to deliver meaningful change and enhanced opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors alike and the programme will sit under the banner of Reconnecting Runcorn, which includes the current £23m Town Deal programme funding awarded in 2021, that is delivering eight substantial projects across the old town area of Runcorn.  

Community-Led Vision

Halton Borough Council is committed to ensuring local voices shape the vision for Runcorn Old Town Long-Term Plan. During September and October 2024, the council partnered with Arcadis and engagement specialists PLACED to undertake a comprehensive public engagement programme. This initiative included online consultations, stakeholder workshops, and drop-in events at Runcorn Library, enabling the community to share their insights, aspirations and ideas. So far 367 people have engaged with the initial public consultation through both online and in person engagement sessions.

Key themes emerged from the engagement, highlighting the community’s desire for:

• An improved high street and retail experience.
• Better public transport connections.
• Support for the town’s thriving creative economy.
• Enhanced promotion of unique local assets, including Runcorn’s iconic waterways and heritage buildings.

Residents and stakeholders envisioned a vibrant, well-connected town with a bustling high street that serves as a destination for both locals and visitors.

Next Steps

The feedback collected will inform the Runcorn Town Board’s decisions on how to best allocate the funding in line with the government criteria, ensuring projects deliver the greatest positive impact. Plans will aim to enhance existing assets while furthering new opportunities for economic growth, cultural enrichment and community wellbeing.

In the October 2024 Autumn Statement, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to the LTPT programme, announcing reforms to align with broader regeneration goals. A revised prospectus is anticipated soon, which will outline the funding objectives and project criteria. Implementation of the first investment programme projects is scheduled to begin in the 2026/27 financial year.

As part of this ongoing process, the council plans to conduct further engagement with residents and businesses, with a particular focus on understanding the perspectives of young people.

Deputy Leader of Halton Borough Council, Cllr Dave Thompson said:
“This funding is an opportunity to further transform Runcorn Old Town, building on the projects already now underway and taking shape in the town centre. By working closely with our community, we can ensure this investment delivers a vibrant, connected and prosperous town centre that reflects the aspirations of those who live and work here. We’re excited to embark on this journey together.”

For further information and updates, please visit https://reconnectingruncorn.info/