First wave (From Warrington Guardian)

First wave

INNOVATIVE plans to build 600 new waterside homes, shops and offices pave the way for an exciting £80m river development.

A commercial, office, retail, tourism and leisure park - creating 3,000 jobs - is set to transform 200 acres of Victorian wasteland over the next six years.

"This is an important gateway site," said Sara Munikwa, programme manager of Widnes Waterfront Economic Development Zone (EDZ).

"The successful determination of this planning application represents a significant step forward for our aspirations for Widnes Waterfront."

Local developer J Routledge & Sons was given the green light by Halton councillors on Monday evening to create the first waterside community.

Eight six-storey apartment buildings, semi detached houses and town houses are set to be built on land north of a dismantled railway, west of Tanhouse Lane.

The mixed development includes 4,000 sq ft of retail space and 30,000 sq ft of offices.

Cllr Rob Polhill, board member for development, said: "It is very exciting. It will be a transformation and open up a part of Widnes hidden for 100 years.

"This residential development will look onto the river. I'm really pleased to see this vision starting to come to fruition."

Peter Forster, director of planning consultants Forster & Company, who drew up the proposals, said: "The introduction of a mixed use development will regenerate this current derelict site, create a sustainable living and working environment for the residents of Halton and act as a catalyst for the Widnes Waterfront EDZ."

A walkway will give pedestrians and cyclists the chance to explore a nature reserve of mudflats, reed beds and salt marsh for the first time.

Millions of grant aid has already been spent laying new sewers, services and infrastructure.