LONG-TERM ESTATE REGENERATION SUPPORTING HOUSING RENEWAL, CONNECTIVITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH – RIVERSIDE
Runcorn
Context
Riverside has been active in Runcorn since 1989, managing around 2,700 homes in Halton. Hallwood Park and Palace Fields are central to this £119 million, ten year regeneration project aimed at revitalising these communities.
The neighbourhoods were selected for regeneration due to a range of challenges and opportunities identified through Riverside’s internal sustainability index, housing market conditions, Indices of Multiple Deprivation, and measures of community resilience.
The area faced poor quality homes and community assets, with many properties now 41–50 years old and no longer meeting modern standards. There were also high levels of tenure turnover, economic decline, antisocial behaviour. The community is impacted by limited suitable housing options, poor connectivity, and a lack of accessible community spaces.
Project
The regeneration aims to create sustainable, vibrant neighbourhoods that attract economically active families, meet local housing and socio-economic needs, and support wider economic regeneration and growth.
Initial analysis undertaken in 2017 identified an opportunity to align regeneration with the 20,000 new and retained jobs associated with the Mersey Gateway Project, which opened in 2017.
The project includes new and improved housing, enhanced green spaces, safer and more accessible walking and cycling routes, improved transport links, and new community facilities. A landscaped “green avenue” through the centre of the site will improve connectivity between the estate and the neighbouring town park.
Issues to resolve
Key barriers include addressing in tandem ageing housing stock, poor connectivity, economic decline, limited community infrastructure, and social issues including antisocial behaviour.
Leadership & Oversight
Riverside has led the regeneration programme, using evidence from housing, deprivation, and community resilience data to identify priority areas and shape delivery.
Funding & Finance
Around 50% of the project will be grant funded, including through Brownfield Land funding, Sustainable Transport Settlement funding and Homes England grant. The project has also received £4.5million from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to build 30 homes specifically for veterans. Since 2019, £150,000 has also been accessed by local community groups and charities.
Engagement & Accountability
Community engagement has been central to the project. Riverside has undertaken workshops, surveys, events, and meetings with residents, businesses, and community groups. Since September 2022, over 300 households have been consulted and 245 surveys completed. The project has also supported the co-production of a new community space and church facility.
Planning, Land & Assembly
The redesign improves accessibility and connectivity by opening the estate onto the town park and integrating sustainable transport routes.
Outcomes
Housing and supply
The project will deliver homes that are more energy efficient and fit for the future through improved insulation, ventilation, and energy-efficient design measures.
Economic growth
The regeneration supports wider economic growth linked to the Mersey Gateway Project and aims to attract economically active households. Analysis carried out in 2017 found that a significant regeneration project in the areas surrounding the Mersey Gateway could support the creation and retention of a combined 20,000 jobs.
Sustainability
The project will create greener neighbourhoods, improved green spaces, and sustainable walking and cycling routes.
People and place
The regeneration will improve public spaces, connectivity, accessibility, and community facilities, helping to create more sustainable and resilient neighbourhoods.
