High Street Connectivity
This project is setting out to improve the accessibility issues within Runcorn Old Town. As well as increasing the opportunities for active lifestyles, social interaction and the wellbeing of the community.
The community peace garden is now complete following the ‘Topping off ceremony’ on Sunday 8th September. To hear more about what the community peace garden means check out the video below. Work on the garden began in February and it has quickly taken shape within 4 months it is nearly complete. A foundations ceremony took place on Saturday 23rd June in preparation for the Chedi’s arrival in the UK. To find out more about the progress of the peace garden and what to expect when it is finished click here. The chedi arrived in Runcorn on Monday 8th July and will take several weeks to assemble. There will be an unveiling of the finished Peace Garden in September. The temple applied for planning permission for the piece of grass adjacent to their building to create a spectacular community peace garden. Their application was granted later that year. Find out more.Timeline
2024
2021
Exploring the town of Runcorn on foot is about to become even more enjoyable. Between the High Street near the Bridgewater Canal and River Mersey, art will be displayed on the viaduct piers from 1961. The artist concept is showcasing some local history from the Dukesfield area, to blend art with the town’s unique history. The Council is looking for an artist to transform the first (of possibly more) viaduct pillars from the Silver Jubilee Bridge in Runcorn Old Town. You can find the Street Art Brief here, detailing the application process and requirements, as well as the timetable. Register your interest by sending your information to reconnectingruncorn@halton.gov.uk before deadline Sunday 30 June 2024. At the beginning of 2023 Hazlehurst Studios were commissioned in collaboration with local illustrator Millie Chesters to deliver this project. The initial moodboard and concept drawings were created and shared with the public for consultation. A walkthrough took place with the community where the public had the opportunity to give feedback and visit the locations for the street art. In November the Runcorn Street Art Stories Booklet was published and shared with the public, bringing the vision to life highlighting the style and stories being used in the project strand. Find out more here.Timeline
2024
2023
Improving the connectivity, accessibility and environment on key routes around the town centre and in turn reduce congestion and pollution in the town centre. In a push to improve ability of active lifestyles within the community this is set to include more pedestrian friendly paths, cycle lanes and a new taxi rank.
Timeline
2024
As part of the plans for improving the High Street Public realm to introduce better cycling and walking paths in the town to strengthen the connectivity in Runcorn there is a proposed alteration as to how Top Locks car park is accessed. The current suggested change makes the car park access point from Station Road only. This will not affect access to the properties or businesses. See the plans here
During the public consultation for the High Street improvements, it was identified by the community and local traders that Church Street needed some attention. Since the consultation work has been going on behind the scenes and a small amount of additional funding has been granted to improve a section of Church Street, from High Street junction to King Street, along with the wider public realm improvements. This funding allows for improvements to the street furniture from bollards, railings, benches, bike racks to traffic signs, as well as the refurbishment of a piece of street art. All whilst cleaning the overall look of the street (streetscape). These improvements will complement the wider regeneration of the area, encouraging further future investment.
The first phase of this project involves deep cleaning of the section on Church Street which is happening on 23rd September. The next stage is to replace the street furniture in late Autumn. Followed by the final stage, the refurbishment of the Obelisk on the corner of Church Street and King Street.
This project has the opportunity to develop a small pilot project along Church Street with a local housing provider and some local businesses to become an overnight host for a seasonal planter, that during the day would be on the Church Street path where pavement space allows. If you are a business along this section of Church Street and this is something you would like to register your interest in please email communitydevelopment@halton.gov.uk by 1st October 2024.
2024
Consultation on the taxi rank has been completed ahead of the drawings being produced.
To be able to open up the high street more this project includes the demolition of a couple of unused buildings. This is being undertaken to allow for some of the other plans within the wider programme to be able to take place and be able to reach their full potential. One of the key project strands this feeds into is The Brindley Green.
Timeline
2024
The occupied shop left the property in January. From then plans were drawn up and applications were drafted. In May a planning permission application was submitted for the proposed demolition of the vacant building. The application can be viewed here.
2022
St Pauls Mews property was acquired by Halton Borough Council to help with the delivery of some plans within the wider programme. The property consisted of four vacant shops, four vacant flats and one occupied shop.