Work starts on £2m Runcorn retail-to-skills-centre conversion
Warden Construction has begun refurbishing and extending 59 High Street, part of the Victorian Camden Buildings, into a learning facility and workspaces for Halton Council and community organisation Power in Partnership.
When work completes next autumn, the former shop at 59 High Street in Runcorn will have a new steel structure rather than its current timber one. Three will be a 700 sq ft winter garden-style lobby space that also includes a break-out area and a small events venue. The remaining 4,100 sq ft will be converted into learning spaces and workspaces.
A 1,500 sq ft, two-storey extension will also be built on the site of the former post office next door. This will be linked to 59 High Street. It will feature a internet café, games area, learning kitchen, and activity area. There would also be a rear garden.
Future phases of the Camden Buildings transformation will see the conversion of 63-65 High Street into a digital skills training and performing arts facility.
K2 Architects designed the project, with Arcadis as the clients’ agent. AKS Ward is the structural engineer.
K2 project architect Jack Manners said: “We’re thrilled to contribute to the transformation of the Camden Buildings. This development will bring together Runcorn’s digital and skills initiatives and create a collaborative space for community-driven businesses to thrive.”
Ian Williams, managing director of Warden Construction, added: “This is a project that’s delivering so many benefits for Runcorn – supporting skills development for local people, regenerating the town centre, and also enabling heritage buildings to be preserved for future generations.
“The architects and the design team have done a fantastic job coming up with a solution that enables the building and its historic façade to be retained, while creating inspiring new spaces for people to learn, grow, and work towards securing further training and employment opportunities.”
The £2m Camden Buildings project is part of Runcorn’s £23.6m Town Deal. Other Town Deal schemes include the extension of Brindley Theatre and the Runcorn Station enterprise hub.
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I can’t say I’m impressed with the black build at the end but anything is an improvement on what’s there already.
The High Street itself will need some work particularly preventing parking and it would be nice if High Street became the main traffic road and Church Street should be Pedestrianised and given back to the people. There are plenty of close car parks withoutall that street parking.
By Taylor
Well done Damian Cooke and the team at Halton Council.
By Anonymous