PLANS to regenerate part of Dallam are progressing rapidly following the start of a major construction project.

Torus housing group has begun its transformation of Harrison Square through the development of new homes and retail units.

The redevelopment of Harrison Square and Harrison Centre is part of the wider 'Delivering Wellbeing in Bewsey and Dallam' initiative, which aims to revitalise the area.

Work will be delivered in two phases.

The disused parade of shops at Harrison Square will be replaced by 16 new homes and two shops, with completion expected in September next year.

Phase two will deliver a further eight units.

The site of the former Harrison Centre will house 21 new homes, with planning permission submitted for a further 18.

Torus chief executive Rob Young and chairman Graham Burgess were joined on site by councillors to view the progress on the first phase.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, executive board member for public health and wellbeing, said: "I'm really pleased that this new development is going to be accessible for people in Bewsey and Dallam.

"This new provision is a move towards transforming the area and the services available there, which will make a real difference to the community."

Earlier this year, Torus, a partnership between Helena Partnerships and Golden Gates Housing Trust, unveiled an ambitious new build programme focusing on the development of more than 1,600 homes by 2020.

March will see the first phase handover of 48 of 104 new homes for affordable rent and shared ownership sale at £10 million Torus development, Ash Acre Meadows in Latchford.

Mr Young said: "We are committed to building new homes at realistically affordable prices for rent and sale.

"Each new home we build and every work or training opportunity we create contributes to the regeneration and revitalisation of areas – that is a fundamental part of our DNA.

"We are proud to be partnering with Warrington Borough Council in redeveloping key areas of the town."