Cityheart chosen for £60m Widnes resi scheme
The Chester-based developer has been selected by Halton Council to redevelop the former Golden Triangle industrial estate off Foundry Lane in Halebank into 360 homes.
Plans for the 86-home first phase, to be constructed on the former Eddie Stobart and Tarmac warehouse sites on the banks of Ditton Brook, were approved by the council on Monday.
Following its appointment, Cityheart aims to start work on this first phase of the wider £60m scheme this summer, and the first homes are expected to be ready for occupation by spring 2023.
Halton has approved plans for 86 homes on the former Tarmac and Stobart sites
The developer is in the process of drawing up plans for the remaining 274 homes alongside architect Corstorphine + Wright. A planning application for the second phase is expected to be submitted in October 2021.
Overall, the scheme proposes the redevelopment of around 20 acres of former industrial land.
Mark McNamee, managing director of Cityheart, said: “Cityheart has a successful 15-year track record of working with the public sector on placemaking and repurposing schemes all over the country.
“We are excited to be working with Halton Council on this significant project that will provide a much-needed and affordable new residential district that acts as a catalyst for further investment in the area.”
Brabners acted as legal advisers to Cityheart on the deal.
Cityheart’s Widnes appointment follows its selection to deliver the £170m redevelopment of The Galleries shopping centre in Wigan alongside Beijing Construction Engineering Group International before Christmas.
Also last year, Stockport Council appointed Cityheart to build the residential element of the £120m Stockport Interchange alongside Rise Homes.
The site is ideal for a section of riverfront to be used for a Pedestrian/ Cyclist Promenade.The Other side of the two Bridges has the Victoria Promenade at present with the proposed Spike Island to Sankey development. All three would be a beautiful front facing south to the River & Cheshire. This proposed option will ignore the majority of current residents in WIDNES. It will reduce future riverside developments for Halebank, Hale and beyond to the frontage of Liverpool Airport. Having seen the Greening of West Bank in Widnes from Hutchinson street to the river and from Waterloo Road & Spike Island as far as Cuerdley Marshes, I hope that this plan or any other will allow Halebank free access to a riverfront. .
By Frank Laughton
We own land adjoining part of the gold triangle complex which by the looks of things has been ear marked for public Greenland. Our business is in haulage and parking for our customers vehicles and also a large garage for vehicle repairs. As at this exact moment we haven’t been contacted by either the council or a third party of any kind. Surely we need to be approached before any plans go ahead.
By Karen Sprakes
Glad to see development at Halebank but it needs to be seen as a first phase to open up more of the river. There are huge opportunities between Garston and Widnes. Glad to see the site of a future station is preserved. Halebank could become a lovely area with waterside apartments, and a leisure offer. People are already cycling from Southport to Runcorn and I walked long stretches of it 12 months ago. The whole area is fascinating including the walk over the Victoria Bridge to Runcorn old town.
By Roscoe