Riverside plots £60m Halton Lea regen

A redesign of the local centre, new mixed-tenure housing in Palace Fields, and the improvement of Hallwood Park are key aspects of the social housing provider’s plans to breathe new life into the area.

Riverside Group put the project cost at £60m for the regeneration effort, noting that it would take 10 years to deliver and require £30m in public funding.

The scheme is still in its early design stages, with a consultation launching today.

Even though consultation properly begins today, the project has been in the works for three years. During that time, Riverside has talked with residents, Halton Council, and local groups about what they want to see in the Hallwood Park and Palace Fields area.

The result was requests for improved housing, better and safer travel, an improved community centre, and community activities.

Under initial proposals designed by Liverpool-based DK Architect, Riverside would demolish some of the housing in The Uplands neighbourhood of Palace Fields. Main contractor Compendium Living, a joint venture between Riverside and Lovell Partnerships, would then build newer, improved homes of different tenures and make travel improvements.

The local centre would be redesigned to offer better travel routes as well as to provide what Riverside describes as “the right community space, facilities, and services for residents”.

In earlier discussions, residents had said they were happy with the housing at Hallwood Park, so Riverside’s regeneration proposals focus on improving public realm and travel routes in that area.

Riverside aims to submit a planning application for the project in mid-2023, with a start-on-site goal of 2024.

“This is an exciting time for Hallwood Park and Palace Fields and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the area to get the regeneration support it needs,” said Andrea Thorn, director of homes and communities for Riverside.

Thorn added: “It’s important to remember this is a first stage proposal and not set in stone; we’re very much open to feedback and change if the community feels the initial proposals don’t work for them.”

Runcorn East MP Mike Amesbury has given his support to the project.

“From shaping a new local centre that would create a much-needed heart of the community, to improving greenspace and designing local projects, the proposals will strengthen the neighbourhoods for the future,” Amesbury said.

“Offering a variety of housing options including shared ownership, that have long been missing in this area, will also enable existing residents to thrive and could attract new residents to ensure a sustainable community in the long term.”

Consultation documents for the project can be accessed at riverside.org.uk/haltonlea.

Riverside has been busy this year, having secured approval for 130 homes in Sefton last week and gearing up for the opening of its £19m Rochdale senior living scheme in 2023.