Castlefields, Runcorn
Background
The Castlefields project aims to regenerate the Castlefields Estate, Runcorn. The project is being spearheaded by the Castlefields Partnership, which comprises Halton Borough Council, Liverpool Housing Trust, CDS Housing, Northwest Development Agency, The Housing Corporation and English Partnerships.
The overall aim is to create a prosperous, integrated and vibrant community by improving the environmental, economic and social well-being of Castlefields, whilst achieving the highest possible standards in terms of design and development.
Works across the estate include the creation of a new access road , public realm and lighting improvements and the creation of a new youth activity park (Phoenix Park) comprising a new pavilion, childrens play area, skate board and BMX area and a climbing boulder.
More than 700 deck-access flats have now been demolished and 500 modern homes constructed for rent and shared ownership. Waterbridge Mews (a flagship development on the edge of the estate which has transformed the view on approach) won the Best Partnerships Development award at the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo Regional Property Awards in 2006.
In 2007, the programme was also awarded ‘Exemplar project’ status by RENEW Northwest, a Green Apple award for Environmental Best Practice and Sustainable Development and the Best Partnership Development was won by the Partnership for Phoenix Park.
Current Status
Outline planning permission has now been granted for a new neighbourhood centre and high quality public space; known as the Village Square.
This will see the existing shopping centre replaced with new shops, 63 apartments and a new community centre over the next three years.
The Village Square will also be complemented by a new state-of-the-art health centre which will be developed on an adjoining site.
A Compulsory Purchase (CPO) public inquiry was held in autumn 2007.
Next steps
- CPO decision anticipated – early 2008
- Village Square start on site – spring 2008