Reconnecting Runcorn Walking Tours a Hit at Liverpool Architecture Festival

In June, Reconnecting Runcorn welcomed visitors to a series of guided walking tours through Runcorn town centre as part of Liverpool Architecture Festival 2026.

Taking place across three dates on 17, 19 and 20 June, the two-kilometre tours gave participants the opportunity to see first-hand how the town centre is changing and to hear more about the projects being delivered through the Reconnecting Runcorn programme.

Starting at Runcorn Railway Station and finishing at The Brindley, the route took in a wide range of regeneration projects, including the new open green space and canal extension, the Buddhist Temple and Peace Garden, new town centre homes, public art, Hazlehurst Studios, the Health and Education Hub, the new Youth Centre and improvements to the High Street and The Brindley.

The tours offered a chance to look beyond the hoardings and construction work and understand the bigger picture behind the regeneration of Runcorn. At each stop, participants heard about the history of the site, the work taking place and, importantly, how local organisations and communities are helping to shape the future of the town centre.

25 people joined the walking tours which were really well received, with plenty of interest, questions and conversation along the route. Jochem Hollestelle, Principal Regeneration Officer for Halton Borough Council Said: "It was particularly encouraging to see people engaging with the different projects and sharing their own memories and thoughts about Runcorn".

Reconnecting Runcorn is bringing together projects ranging from new community facilities and homes to public realm, arts and cultural spaces, with the aim of creating a town centre that continues to serve its community for years to come.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us in June, to Liverpool Architecture Festival for including Runcorn in this year’s programme, and to everyone who helped make the tours such a success.