Reconnecting Runcorn: A Town Transformed
Since 2021, Runcorn has been undergoing a remarkable transformation through the Reconnecting Runcorn initiative. Backed by £23.6 million from the UK Government’s Towns Fund, eight major projects, spanning 15 strands, are reshaping the town with improved transport, housing, training opportunities, and vibrant public spaces.
2025 is a milestone year, with many projects now visible on the high street and opening to the public. From cultural landmarks to community hubs, Runcorn is buzzing with progress—and there’s never been a better time to get involved.
The Brindley Enhancement
Steelworks began this spring, and the transformation is well underway! A stunning new glazed façade is being installed, opening the theatre up to the High Street and creating a more welcoming, modern space. Completion is expected in 2026, where you will find home to the new Runcorn Library and a brand new café-bistro. As part of The Brindley’s new look there will be a new landscaped area out the front of the extension, known as The Brindley Green. It will be opening this incredible venue out onto the Runcorn high street.
Health and Education Hub: WELL Runcorn
The former Granville Street Library is being reborn as WELL Runcorn, as voted for by the public. A one-stop centre for Wellbeing, Education, and Lifelong Learning. Opening to the public in early 2026, this vibrant new space will support families, young people, and those living with long-term conditions. It’s more than a building, it’s a beacon of opportunity.
Creative and Digital Skills Centre: Building Creative Futures
Made up of three strands this will bring together a number of Halton’s creative companies in one place. This hub will be a place for residents, especially young people to be able to access creative resources.
57-59 High Street: Youthy.com: A Space Built for Runcorn’s Future
Opening to the public in early 2026, Youthy.com will be a safe, inspiring space for young people, featuring learning zones, a Winter Garden, and a kitchen for cooking classes. Thanks to new grant funding, the hub will be equipped with cutting-edge digital infrastructure to support homework clubs, creative activities, and more.
63-65 High Street: MakoCreate and A Place For Us
Restoring historic Victorian shops, this centre will host digital skills training by MakoCreate and performing arts by A Place For Us. Plans are progressing in 2025 to keep the project on track despite economic challenges.
71 High Street: Hazlehurst Studios
Now in their third year, Hazlehurst Studios continue to offer workshops, exhibitions, and open days for the community as well as providing high-quality creative space for local artists and creatives in Runcorn.
High Street Connectivity
Dukesfield Murals, History in Colour
Viaduct pillars near the Silver Jubilee Bridge have been transformed into a stunning open-air gallery. From owner of Society Taprooms, Alex Haycroft’s early vision to now this project truly has been a community collaboration within Reconnecting Runcorn. With Hazlehurst Studios, the Runcorn & District Historical Society, Society Taprooms and Halton Borough Council’s Regeneration Team being the driving force for the project, working together to create something that not only is visually stunning but a celebration of the rich local history to blend with the town’s unique cultural narrative. This community-led project features murals by renowned artists Liam Bononi and Aylo Nomad, celebrating Runcorn’s rich history and spirit.
The Buddhist Temple Peace Garden & Ubosot Hall
Completed in September 2024, the Peace Garden features a six-metre bronze chedi statue from Thailand and has welcomed nearly 16,000 visitors. Nearby, the Ubosot Hall is being designed in Northern Thai style, is currently under construction and will become a new cultural landmark. Not only will this building hold significance for the temple but also the community of Runcorn. The Ubosot Hall project has been made possible with the additional support of the FCC Communities Foundation, looking to open at the beginning of 2026 and will become an additional community space.
High Street Connectivity Public Realm
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.
Town Centre High Street New Homes: Mercia Place
In partnership with Halton Housing Trust, 66 new apartments are under construction for over 55s, with completion expected in spring 2026. The project in early 2025 was named Mercia Place after Aethelflaed of Mercia, who founded Runcorn in 915 AD.
Rutland Street Town Centre New Homes
Land remediation is underway for a new Community Land Trust to design and build mixed-use housing, supporting local needs and aspirations.
Runcorn Station Quarter Enterprise Hub: Elite House
A new co-working and enterprise hub near the West Coast mainline station is in development. It will offer office space, meeting rooms, event hire, and retail amenities, connecting with the wider business community including Sci-Tech Daresbury.
Unlock Runcorn
Led by the Runcorn Locks Restoration Society, boat trips along the Bridgewater Canal launched this summer. With the café plans also brewing nicely, the Canalside is fast becoming a vibrant hub of activity and heritage. Two bespoke vessels, Aethel and Fraeda, will take visitors to Norton Priory and beyond. Plans also include a landscaped area and canal extension near the Peace Garden.
Explore the Map
This map has been created showing the location and total funding awarded to each of the projects on site, including additional funding and investment to the Towns Fund grant awarded in 2021. All figures are accurate as of September 2025.
