A ‘GENERATIONAL’ 25-year masterplan to strengthen communities in the town’s central six wards has been approved.

The ambitious central six regeneration masterplan includes innovative proposals to shape the future in Bewsey and Whitecross, Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East, Latchford West, Orford and Poplars and Hulme.

The themes include an active waterside, an inclusive economy and well-connected, affordable movement, as well as inclusive, safer and greener streets.

The council’s cabinet adopted the masterplan into council policy at its meeting on Monday.

In his report, Cllr Tony Higgins (LAB – Fairfield and Howley), cabinet member for leisure and community, said it is a ‘generational’ masterplan.

He also labelled the proposals as aspirational but achievable.

“There are things that are happening now and things that were happening before the masterplan was in place, but there are projects which will take time to develop,” he added.

“Some projects will take time because there are obviously funding issues.

“This is a genuine resident-led masterplan, this was not officer-led.”

Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden told members he believes the plans will make communities stronger.

“Don’t underestimate the ability of good communities, excellent housing and decent transport,” he said.

“I like the fact it is genuinely a long-term plan.

“This recognises it can’t all be done at once and needs to have that long-term pledge.”

More than 2,500 residents have been involved in developing the document.

The council hopes its plans to carry out ‘corridor greening’ will help to reduce congestion in the borough, while creating the opportunity to increase space for cycleways and bus lanes.

Work could see part of the A49 Winwick Road redesigned to calm traffic, while making it more cycle and pedestrian friendly.

The active riverside theme aims to open up more of the borough’s riverside to allow people to enjoy it for sport and leisure.

Core proposals include providing a new community hub within an extended and improved Warrington Rowing Club, along with using the club to introduce young people from deprived areas to sport and exercise.

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Tony Higgins, Cllr Russ Bowden and Mark Moran with the masterplan