Representatives from Halton Borough Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Watson and Cityheart, joined Plus Dane to look at progress at the Foundry Lane development in Widnes this month.
Cityheart, the regeneration developer leading the transformation of Foundry Lane in Halebank, Widnes, invited partners to view the site, see progress on phase 1, and mark the submission of plans for the second phase of the scheme.
The latest proposals, submitted this month, seek outline planning permission for 240 new properties, adding to the first phase, contracted by Watson Construction, which is already set to bring 63 two and three-bedroom homes to the community in partnership with Plus Dane Housing.
Together, the phases will transform more than 20 acres of former industrial land, including the old Stobart and Tarmac sites, into a vibrant and sustainable new neighbourhood with a mix of housing options to address local demand. This is a key aspect of Halton Borough Council’s new boroughwide Housing Strategy which prioritises the delivery of new homes on brownfield land.
Since construction began in March this year, work on site has progressed at pace, with timber frames due to be installed in November. The proposed layout for Phase 2 goes further, introducing thoughtfully designed landscaping to create green public spaces for residents, along with improved access from Hale Road.
In addition to celebrating progress on Phase 1 and marking progress with plans for phase two, Cityheart launched a social value initiative with local councillors, which will bring lasting benefits to the community through charitable projects, employment opportunities and skills development.
Siobhan Moore, Director of Growth for Plus Dane, said: “We are really pleased to see the progress on phase one. It is great to see this development moving forward and we will soon see 63 affordable homes delivered for Widnes, that are in high demand. The Foundry Lane masterplan is ambitious and exciting, and we think the vision will completely transform this former industrial site into a desirable place to call home.”
James Litherland, Senior Development Manager at Cityheart, said: “The submission of plans for Phase 2 at Foundry Lane marks an important milestone in this regeneration journey. It will connect the new neighbourhood to the centre of Halebank and regenerate on of the Borough’s most challenging brownfield sites to deliver much needed high quality sustainable homes. Our success to date has been through the formation of dynamic public private partnerships with the support of Halton Borough Council, so long may that continue”.
Cllr Phil Harris, Halton Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Housing Strategy & Development, said: “In the last 11 years 55% of the housing built in Widnes and Runcorn has been on brownfield sites.
''When the Foundry Lane site has been completed 300 more homes will have been built on brownfield land instead of green fields elsewhere. I also welcome the much-needed homes for social rent included on this site.''
The Foundry Lane project is continuing to be supported by funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority with Phase 1 construction expected to complete by the end of 2026. More information on the Foundry Lane development can be found here.
