| Investment and Regeneration

neighbourhood has seen the demolition to date of 800 deck access flats (developed in the 1970s new town scheme) and allowed the development of 400 new homes with a further 750 underway or planned in the near future. The ambition is that all 1,400 flats will either be demolished or reconfigured and restored. 
There are also plans to deliver a new community hub containing a vibrant mix of shops, homes, a community centre and health centre. In addition, the start of a new wildlife habitat on Castlefields has begun with the establishment of a new woodland near Norton Priory Museum. 
www.castlefields.info 
Commercial Property Renewal Grants 

This grant scheme, funded through the Working Neighbourhoods Fund, has helped businesses breathe new life into their premises. Grants of up to 50% of the total cost of eligible works (up to a maximum of £10,000) have been offered to businesses in order to reinvigorate HaltonÕs town centres and improve the local economy. During 2007-08, grant assistance benefited 18 properties which shared a total grant fund of £100,000. These included six buildings which had previously been vacant and in a poor state of repair. 

The Mersey Gateway

The Mersey Gateway will provide a new bridge over the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes. The project includes modifications to the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge to improve facilities for public transport, walking and cycling. The new Mersey Gateway Bridge will cross the river around 1.5 km to the east of Silver Jubilee Bridge. A tolled crossing with three lanes in each direction, it will transform the borough by improving local quality of life and creating new business and investment opportunities in Halton and beyond. 
www.merseygateway.co.uk 


Widnes Waterfront 
The Widnes Waterfront programme involves the transformation of over 200 acres of former industrial land. The project will breathe new life into an area of southern Widnes, creating a business location of the highest modern standards in a dramatic waterfront setting as well as generating over 2,700 new jobs. 
The Widnes Waterfront is one of only 14 Economic Development Zones (EDZs) in the Northwest. 
www.widneswaterfront.co.uk 


The Windmill Centre

The Windmill Centre in Widnes is undergoing a huge private sector redevelopment to create an exciting new shopping complex. The centre, renamed Widnes Shopping Park, is due to open in early 2010 with top high street stores and providing around 500 jobs. 

Tel. 0303 333 4300
www.halton.gov.uk


In 2007/08, some 18 properties 
shared £100,000 in grants to redevelop Widnes Waterfront will transform over 200 acres of land The 3MG site is benefiting from a £100m investment