THE £19.35 million masterplan designed to alleviate congestion chaos and strengthen the town centre economy by constructing 465 homes has moved a step closer.

The council's executive board met at the Town Hall yesterday, Monday, to discuss the latest developments on the Centre Park link scheme.

Initial work has already started, with the purchase of land on Chester Road, previously home to a car showroom.

Council officers have since secured the site and will start making preparations for upcoming work.

Executive board members decided to apply for potential compulsory purchase orders, which may be necessary for key land.

Part of the new plan is the construction of a crossing over the Mersey to connect Chester Road to the town centre via Slutchers Lane – it could be completed by 2018.

It will also provide a link to land south of Centre Park, which currently has no access.

The borough's highways bosses are confident of it alleviating congestion around Bridge Foot and Chester Road.

Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, said: "We are very pleased to have acquired the first plot of land as part of this ambitious project.

"The new bridge and link road should make it much easier and quicker to get around the centre of Warrington.

"It is vital that we continue to invest in the infrastructure of the borough to ensure that we can grow and make Warrington an even better place to live, work and do business."

Fellow leading councillors also believe the scheme will reduce southbound traffic through Bridge Foot by around 20 per cent in the 'pm' and 10 per cent in the 'am' during peak times.

The link will open land up for development on Centre Park, bringing forward construction of around 465 homes.

Council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill delivered reports to members to update them on the project, as well as to give them further information surrounding the compulsory purchase orders.

He highlighted that the area earmarked for development is within a walkable distance from the town centre, Warrington Bank Quay and Warrington Central station.

He added: "It is therefore considered to both a highly desirable and sustainable location.

"The development would bring further residential living into the heart of the town centre, strengthening the town centre daytime and evening economy.

"The business case referred to above highlights a number of beneficial outputs for the project, such as the creation of 465 new homes over five to seven years post-scheme completion, temporary jobs during construction and that current empty office space in Centre Park will be better utilised, thereby creating additional jobs in the area.

"The benefits of the project come in two forms, easing traffic congestion within the town centre, in particular Bridge Foot, and allowing the development of approximately 465 new homes in a location near to the town centre.

"This project is the first step in the development of the overall waterfront programme and indicates to our partners that the council is capable of delivering strategic infrastructure aligned to the overall development of Warrington."

The executive board noted and approved the project and £19.35 million budget.