Affordable housing provider Riverside submits plans for 134 homes and new community centre as part of £60m regeneration plan in Liverpool city region. Tony McDonough reports
Riverside has submitted plans for 134 homes and a new community centre in Runcorn as part of a wider £60m regeneration project.
Its 10-year plan will eventually see the construction of 400 new homes and community and commercial facilities in Palace Fields and The Uplands in Halton Lea. Riverside already owns more than 2,700 homes across Halton.
In the latest planning application submitted to Halton Council, the housing association will build 134 new homes and create the Palace Fields Local Centre. This will include community space, facilities and services for residents.
Riverside has proposed a diverse housing mix to match the housing need outlined by the local community following a public consultation.
This will include 134 affordable homes comprising one- and two-bedroom apartments, houses, and bungalows. There will also be extra care older persons living and dedicated veterans housing. Affordable is defined as no more than 80% of local market rates.
Further outlined are new commercial units and a community café, alongside closure of the subway that connects the shops to Palace Fields woodland. This will make way for safer access.
Part of the plans will see the existing Bethesda Church demolished to make way for a new church open to all. In the planning application, the housing association has also included its aspirations to acquire the Tricorn Buildings.
These plans seek to maximise the green and open space in Palace Fields by opening up the Moat with improved footpaths and access. They will also enhance the historic community garden with a new play area.
Nick Jones, director of development and growth at Riverside, said: “The feedback we have received during our extensive consultation programme has been incredibly valuable in shaping and refining our plans.
“Improving the local centre has always been an ask from the community since we started this regeneration journey.
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“We’re delighted to be at the stage of submitting a masterplan for a new centre which will offer the facilities that local residents want and need and bring the communities of Halton Lea together.
“This regeneration project is an exciting opportunity to strengthen neighbourhoods for the future and it has been important to us to listen to those who will be most impacted by our significant investment in developing Halton Lea.”
If planning permission is approved, it will allow Riverside to progress to the next stage of which would involve further design works and establishing a start on site date. Decision on the planning permission is expected to be made by late summer/autumn.