The Local Centre

When will work start on the Runcorn project?

Planning permission was approved by Halton Borough Council in May 2024, with work on site currently expected to begin in 2027.

You can view the Overall Phasing Plan (PDF) to see the proposed stages of the regeneration and indicative timescales.

These timescales may change as the plans are finalised.

Why is the area being regenerated instead of improving the existing homes?

The regeneration will improve the whole neighbourhood, not just individual homes.

Refurbishment alone cannot address some wider issues, including:

• the condition and energy efficiency of some homes
• access to services and transport
• the layout of the neighbourhood
• public and green spaces.

We’ll still refurbish homes where this is the right option.

What consultation has taken place with residents?

We’ve been talking to residents and the wider community since 2019. This has included:

• surveys and Housing Needs Surveys
• newsletters
• drop-in events and meetings
• face-to-face conversations.

You see a summary of your feedback here (PDF). We’ll continue to involve residents as the plans develop.

Who is Compendium Living and what is their role?

Compendium Living is jointly owned by Riverside and Lovell and helps manage the regeneration.

• Riverside remains your landlord.
• Lovell builds the new homes.
• Compendium Living helps manage the regeneration programme.

Your rent, tenancy and day-to-day services will continue to be managed by Riverside.

Will the new cycle routes connect with Halton Borough Council’s wider network?

Not directly.

New walking and cycling routes are planned through The Uplands and the Local Centre. We’re also looking at how these can connect with nearby transport routes, including the busway.

Will repairs to my home continue during the regeneration?

Yes. We’ll continue to carry out repairs while you’re living in your home.

Please continue to report repairs in the usual way.

How will empty homes be maintained during the regeneration?

We’ll continue to look after empty homes until regeneration work begins.

This includes:

• checking empty properties
• maintaining gardens
• keeping the area safe and well maintained.

When will I receive my 18 months’ notice?

We aim to give you at least 18 months’ notice before you need to move.

The regeneration will happen in phases, so residents will receive notice at different times.

We’ll support you to find a suitable home once your notice is issued.

When will I get Band A priority on Property Pool Plus?

You’ll be entitled to Band A priority when there are 12 months remaining before we need your home.

When you receive your formal 12-month notice, we’ll update your Property Pool Plus application and your banding will be reviewed.

Will I have to move far from the area?

We’ll try to find you a suitable home locally.

If a permanent home isn’t available when you need to move, we may offer you a temporary home in the local area until one becomes available.

Will I need to move into a temporary home?

Not necessarily. We’ll try to help you move straight into a permanent home.

If there isn’t a suitable permanent home available, we’ll:

• find you a temporary home locally
• support you with your temporary move
• help you move again when a permanent home becomes available.

If I need to move temporarily, will you pay my removal costs?

Yes. We’ll pay reasonable removal costs for:

• your move to a temporary home
• your move to your permanent home.

You’ll receive one home loss payment when you leave your current home, where eligible.

How will you decide who is contacted first for a one-to-one meeting?

We’ll contact residents based on when their home is affected by the regeneration.

Meetings are being arranged in phases, so don’t worry if a neighbour hears from us before you do.

Everyone affected will have an opportunity to speak to us.

When will I be invited to a one-to-one meeting?

We’ll contact you when your home reaches the relevant stage of the regeneration.

If you’re worried about your circumstances before then, you can contact us to discuss them.

Can I bring someone with me to my one-to-one meeting?

Yes. You can bring someone you trust, such as:

• a family member or friend
• a neighbour
• an advocate
• your local councillor or MP.

How will my personal information be protected?

We’ll keep your personal information safe and follow data protection laws.

If you want us to speak to someone on your behalf, we’ll ask for your consent first. You can tell us:

• who we can speak to
• what information we can share
• how long your consent lasts.

What types of new homes are being built?

We’re planning a mix of:

• houses
• apartments
• bungalows
• one to four-bedroom homes.

At The Uplands, plans currently include 16 bungalows, 159 houses and 82 apartments.

What sizes of homes will be available?

Homes will range from one to four bedrooms.

The mix is designed to provide homes for different households, including individuals, families and older residents.

How have residents’ needs been considered when planning the new homes?

Resident feedback has helped shape the plans since 2019.

We’ve used surveys, meetings and Housing Needs Surveys to understand:

• the sizes of homes people need
• accessibility needs
• the needs of older residents
• the needs of different household types.

What tenures will the new homes have?

The proposed mix across the Local Centre and The Uplands is:

• 69% social rent
• 11% Riverside home ownership
• 20% open market sale.

Home ownership options may include shared ownership and rent to buy.

How will the new homes be allocated?

Homes will be allocated according to the relevant housing allocation rules and eligibility criteria.

For rented homes in Halton, this includes Property Pool Plus, which considers things such as:

• housing need
• local connection
• residency and eligibility requirements.

Existing residents will be prioritised.

If your home is required for regeneration, you will not have to manage the move on your own — we will support you to find a suitable home.

Will existing residents get priority for the new homes?

Supporting existing residents affected by the regeneration is a priority.

We’ll work with you individually to:

• understand your housing needs
• explain your options
• help you find a suitable home.

You won’t be expected to manage the move on your own.

Who will the new homes be for?

The new homes will meet a range of local housing needs, including the needs of existing residents affected by the regeneration.

Homes are allocated according to housing need and eligibility criteria. They are not prioritised based on ethnicity or nationality.

What happens if I don’t want to sell my home?

We’ll work with you individually and aim to reach an agreement wherever possible.

We’ll:

• listen to your circumstances
• explain your options
• answer your questions
• try to agree a fair solution with you.

What is a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and when might one be used?

A CPO is a legal process that can allow property to be purchased without the owner’s agreement.

It is a last resort and not our starting point.

Our preference is always to work with homeowners to reach an agreement.

What happens if a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) is needed?

If a CPO becomes necessary, we’ll explain:

• what the process involves
• what it means for you
• the support available
• how costs and property values will be considered.

No CPOs have been issued to date.

Will improvements I’ve made to my home be considered when it is valued?

Yes. Improvements that add value to your home will be considered.

This could include:

• extensions or structural improvements
• converted spaces
• other upgrades that add value.

Your home will be independently valued by a qualified valuer registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

I haven’t made improvements because of the regeneration plans. Will this affect the value of my home?

You won’t be financially disadvantaged because you chose not to make improvements after learning about the regeneration.

Your home will be independently valued based on its current market value, and the proposed regeneration will not be taken into account.

Each home will be considered individually.

Download the May 2026 newsletter (PDF)

Download the March 2026 newsletter (PDF)

Download the February 2026 Demolition update letter for Lapwing Grove (PDF)

Download the December 2025 newsletter (PDF)

Download the July 2025 newsletter (PDF)

Download the July 2024 newsletter (PDF)

Download the February 2024 newsletter (PDF)