HCA secures planning for Runcorn infrastructure works

The Homes & Communities Agency has appointed Galliford Try to complete infrastructure works at Sandymoor, Halton.

Galliford Try Infrastructure, in conjunction with Aecom and Atkins, supported the HCA to design the Sandymoor North infrastructure works that include a new highway off Wharford Lane, and the construction of flood mitigation works to prepare for future housebuilding.

Sandymoor's masterplan includes the creation of up to 100 new homes.

The HCA secured detailed planning permission on 22 October and work has already started on site.

The £1.3m investment forms part of the HCA's Accelerated Land Disposal Programme, an initiative that aims to create jobs and affordable homes for local people, stimulating economic growth.

On completion of the works, the HCA will market the serviced site through its Delivery Partner Panel in spring, a move they hope will help speed up the delivery of new homes at Sandymoor, in line with Halton Council's key priorities for the area.

Deborah McLaughlin, North West executive director at the HCA, said: "The future infrastructure and location of Sandymoor makes it an attractive prospect and I look forward to watching the progress of the works and the marketing of the site to private developers.

"We will continue to work closely with our partners to find the right developer to ensure that Sandymoor fulfills its undoubted potential as a truly transformational scheme."

Cllr Ron Hignett, executive board member for physical environment at Halton Council, said: "The HCA and the council share a joint vision to provide new homes in this area that forms a key area of change in Halton's core strategy, and this project is the next stage in delivering this vision."

Bob Gibbon, regional director at Galliford Try Infrastructure, said: "The site enables us to draw on considerable experience of carriageway construction, flood alleviation and site preparation works for future developments."