We are delighted to announce the green light for a new development on Runcorn High Street that will provide 66 much needed and affordable 1 and 2 bedroom homes for over 55s.  

Located on a long-standing vacant brownfield site in the centre of Runcorn Old Town, directly on the High Street, which backs on to the canal; this is Halton Housing’s first new development for social rent. Homes England’s updated guidance has enabled schemes within Halton borough to apply for social rent grant funding, with this being the first new build social rent scheme in the borough under the current programme.  

The site was allocated by Halton Borough Council in the local plan and is the first independent living scheme that Halton Housing will build as part of the Affordable Housing Programme (2022 – 2026).  

The ‘Independent Living Lite’ development comprising 32 1-bed and 34 2-bed homes will feature stylish interiors and a communal lounge and multipurpose room. The scheme will also feature two lifts, EV charging points, disabled parking spaces and cycle and motorbike stores.  Kitted out with waist-height kitchens, hoist-adaptable bathrooms, a Salto telecoms system and all-electric heating and hot water systems, this will be the first development of its size to be rated EPC-B for efficiency, meeting updated legislative standards.  

Working with Merseyside-based partners Legacie Contracts Ltd, the building will be constructed using MMC (Modern Method of Construction) and feature a lightweight steel frame.  Halton Housing has a record of MMC projects realising the benefits that this method can bring in terms of speed, efficiency, safety, sustainability and cost savings. 

Reconnecting Runcorn 

The High Street development forms part of one of the eight projects of the ‘Reconnecting Runcorn’ initiative – a broader regeneration programme that will improve the lives and livelihoods of local people and boost the local economy.  Reconnecting Runcorn aims to invigorate and enhance local connections through improved training and economic opportunities, enhanced transport links, housing and environmental improvements, and upgraded visitor attractions. 

Paul Mullane, Director of Development and Sales at Halton Housing and Vice-Chair of the Runcorn Town Deal Board said, “This development is particularly exciting, within the context of the broader regeneration programme, and it was great to see the work beginning on site with new building partners Legacie. This project offered an unmissable opportunity to provide affordable, independent living homes in a prime location, that will really enhance the public vista”.  There continues to be a real shortage of affordable housing across the Northwest and this development affirms our ongoing commitment to providing warm, safe and affordable homes in Cheshire and beyond. It is also a pertinent example of the role we are playing in supporting the wider, national #PlanForHousing campaign to fix the housing crisis.  Housing associations like us collectively need to build a new generation of social rent and other affordable homes to meet an ever-increasing housing demand.”.  

Damian Cooke, Director of Economy, Enterprise and Property from Halton Borough Council added “We’re once again delighted to be partnering with Halton Housing on a flagship development that will sit proudly at the epicentre of town, giving residents easier access to the facilities in the town centre. Reconnecting Runcorn’s collaborative approach is not only going to drive sustainable long-term economic growth, through the regeneration of the town, but through this High Street development it will provide quality, desirable homes where they’re most needed.  We will watch with great anticipation as these homes take shape and the regeneration vision progresses into reality.” 

Gavin Currie, Managing Director from Legacie Contracts Limited also added, “It’s great to see work starting on site in High Street, Runcorn and we are looking forward to working with Halton Housing to deliver this project, which will not only provide much-needed high-quality, energy efficient homes for the people of Runcorn, but will also bring wider community benefits to Runcorn and the nearby areas.  We have entered the social housing space because, as developers, we see it as our responsibility to be a part of the solution to help Merseyside tackle its ongoing housing crisis, and in doing so we can strengthen the Legacie brand and diversify our portfolio”. 

The development has an estimated completion of Spring 2026.