RUNCORN NEW TOWN URBAN RENEWAL

Master Plan Amendment No.1

Copyright @ 1971 Runcorn Development Corporation, Chapel Street, Runcorn, Cheshire. Tel: Runcorn 73477.

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RUNCORN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Chairman Mr. Vere A Arnold, C.B.E., BA, M.C., T.D., D.L, J.P . Deputy Chairman Alderman W. H. Sefton Members Mr. E. J. Battersby, F.R.I.C.S. County Councillor G. J. Ford Councillor C. J. Helsby, J.P . Mr. G. H. K. Rae, MA (Cantab.) Mr. H. C. Rigby, D.F.C. Mr. F. R. Sherliker, M.Sc., F.R.I.C., M.R.S.H., AP .I. Mrs. R. M. Toos_y / General Manager Mr. D. F. Banwell, Solicitor, LAM.R.T.P .I.

The Chairman and Members of the Board of the Corporation gratefully acknowledge the co-operation of the Officers of the Cheshire County Council and the Runcorn Urban District Council. who have worked closely with the Officers of the Corporation in the preparation of this first amendment to the Master Plan.

Contents
Introduction Sections: A) The Expressway and Bridgehead B) Dock Access C) Other Roads D) Busway System E) land Use Outline Planning Policies for Individual Areas: Residential Areas Improved Residential Areas Redeveloped Commercial and Social Areas Docks Industry and Railway Open Space F) Population G) Implementation and phasing H) Summary of Plan Plan

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Introduction
The Runcorn New Town Master Plan was endorsed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government on the 12th August. 1968, as a sound framework for the rapid and successful development of the New Town. One of the aspects of development of the designated area which the plan envisaged as taking place early was the renewal and rehabilitation of the central area of the existing town. Section II of the Master Plan pointed out that the existing centre had an out of date road pattern, obsolete buildings and a lack of open space. Prior to designation, the Runcorn Urban District Council had commenced redevelopment but this had been suspended on designation as the Urban District Council's ideas had been based upon the retention of the existing centre as the town centre of a relatively small town, whereas under the Master Plan it would become a district centre for a population of some 16,000 persons. The Urban District Council and Corporation agreed that Urban Renewal must proceed at the same time as the development of other parts of the designated area in order to avoid delay and so that both the existing town and the newly developed areas should become a single unified town. The Master Plan set out the principles upon which renewal should take place with particular reference to the necessity for increasing public open space, reducing the central shopping provision, rationalising the communication system and the rehabilitation or renewing of housing. Discussions between the Development Corporation and the Runcorn Urban District Council commenced early in 1968 and in April 1969 a scheme was published and the observations of individuals and organisations were invited. Subsequently, a revised scheme was prepared and this was advertised publicly in March 1971. Various comments were received from the public and from statutory and other bodies - and the plan amended in the light of these comments and observations presented as a practical solution to the problems of renewal in the existing central area and one which should produce a pleasing environment, good communications and a thriving district centre.

A. The Expressway and Bridgehead

1. It is now considered feasible to widen the existing Runcorn-Widnes Bridge to four lanes and the form of the junction between the Bridgehead and the principal road system has been reconsidered. A revised layout has been evolved and approved by the Urban District Council, Cheshire County Council and the Development Corporation. Less existing residential property north of the Bridgewater Canal is now affected than under the form of junction shown in the Master Plan, although it is inevitable that certain properties adjoining the existing bridge will be required in order to achieve the proposed widening, together with property south of the canal, most of which is programmed for clearance under the Housing Acts. The present proposals of the Cheshire County Council for the road junction immediately to the south of the existing bridge will fit in with a further widening of the existing bridge or the construction of a second bridge. 2. The junction now proposed by the Cheshire County Council provides an excellent connection between the Bridgehead and the Expressway and

Above: Model showing junction between the Expressway and the approach to the Runcorn- Widnes bridge

adequate lines of communication between the old town centre, Widnes and the Runcorn railway station. It also makes it possible to incorporate a route for the Busway to the north of the Bridgewater Canal, thus giving an overall improvement in public transport service without prejudicing the pedestrian access. At the eastern end of the urban renewal area the junction between the Expressway, Heath Road and Victoria Road has been designed to reduce as far as possible the overall effect on existing property.

B. Dock Access
3. A new dock access road, to cater for the main flow of industrial traffic, will be constructed from Picow Farm into the dock estate. Connections between this access road and the Expressway will be available via the Westfield interchange.

D. The Busway
6. A route for the Busway has been selected running through the centre of the old town centre. 7. The revised route crosses car parks and derelict sites but some property demolition is inevitable. The route makes continued use of Waterloo Bridge, thus preserving this attractive feature and avoiding the expense of another canal crossing. 8. A Busway stop is located at the existing bus station and it is envisaged that an interchange will be provided here between the Busway and ordinary road system. Other stops are proposed near Heath Road and the railway station. 9. The use of Picow Farm Road where it passes under the railway bridge to its junction with Holloway is proposed as part of the Busway route. This section of road may be closed to all other vehicular traffic if and when the re-organisation of the road system in the vicinity has rendered unnecessary its use for general traffic.

C. Other Roads
4. A route between the old town centre and areas immediately to the south is maintained along Greenway Road by constructing a new section of road passing from Doctor's Bridge over the Expressway and facilities are provided to connect to the RuncornWidnes Bridge approaches. At the eastern end of the area access is gained from the Expressway junction via Delph Bridge. The maximum use of existing carriageways is envisaged. 5. A road link via Brindley Street and Percival Lane will provide a connection for local traffic between the old town, Picow Farm Road area and the Runcorn Docks. Below: Busway stop at High St. Bus Station

E.Land Use
10. The overall pattern of land use in the revised proposals is designed to permit retention of as large a proportion as possible of existing property. The plan shows areas of different land use and development characteristics and outline planning policies are proposed, area by area, later in this section. Individual sites for various social services provided by official and voluntary organisations are not identified in the proposals except for the County Health Centre and the Runcorn Parish Church of England Primary School, but land will be available under these proposals to meet these needs and some suggestions are made later. Residential Areas - Improved 11. These areas should be studied with a view to making them general improvement areas under the Housing Act 1969. The use of improvement grants should be encouraged and any opportunities to provide off-street parking places, tree planting, play areas and local open spaces should be taken. It may be necessary to clear a small number of dwellings in these areas in order to provide thes_. facilities. The future uses of existing non-residential buildings should be considered very carefully and no changes should be permitted which would harm the residential character of these areas. Existing non conforming uses should not be allowed to expand or intensify. Particular remarks relating to individual areas follow. The description of an area in the proposals as a general improvement area does not imply that every house in the area will need to be improved. The proposals envisage the provision of 1.5 parking spaces for each dwelling. 12. Waterloo Road This area includes some property in the Wellington Street/Egerton Street areas programmed to be cleared as unfit. giving scope for local improvement. It will also be necessary to consider the desirability of continued occupation of those houses which are affected environmentally by the existing bridge and its approach roads. 13. Belvedere No change is envisaged in this small area of new development. 14. Parker Street Some property clearance will give scope for local improvements, and a limited amount of redevelopment could take place. Older commercial property fronting Bridge Street should be cleared. 15. York Street No property clearance is envisaged in this area and therefore car parking may become a problem.

Examples of buildings of character to be retained Top: Devonshire Square Above: High Street

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Top: Dukesfield, a typical view of the area after improvement. Above Left: Belvedere, new development Above Right: Waterloo Road, a proposed improvement area

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16. St. Michael's Properties in Arthur Street. Shaw Street and Surrey Street are included in the Runcorn Urban District Council's clearance programme, thus giving an opportunity to improve the area. 17. Dukesfield The plan proposes that the area shall remain primarily residential for some time to come but its character will have to be closely watched for adverse changes. The possibility of general improvement will have to be reconsidered in any event when the implications of the survey now being carried out by the Urban District Council into the condition of the houses in the area have been studied.

Residential Areas - Redeveloped 19. The four areas proposed for residential redevelopment already contain much cleared land.The remaining properties are generally in poor condition and there are some non-conforming uses. Redevelopment for residential purposes is necessary to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity of continuing to live north of the Bridgewater Canal. 20. Water Street This is a potentially attractive site overlooking the River Mersey. A scheme for its early redevelopment is being prepared by the Urban District Council. 21. Ellesmere Street The part of this area which is mainly comprised of unfit dwellings due for clearance, vacant sites and part of the derelict Camden Tannery site, presents an opportunity for comprehensive redevelopment. The older commercial property fronting onto Bridge Street should be cleared and Bridge Street improved as part of the principal access road. The industrial use of the easterly end of the area is incompatible with the continued residential use proposed for the neighbourhood but it is not proposed to take early steps to redevelop this site. 22. Regent Street This site is envisaged for redevelopment partly as a result of existing and future clearance and partly because of the expected impact of the new town centre on the existing shops. It may be possible to retain the existing houses and public houses in Bridgewater Street. 23. Holy Trinity This area lies to the north of the Church. It is an area of mixed uses, bad layout. much cleared land and largely sub-standard housing. It has a potentially attractive elevated position.

Above: Houses with character within an improvement area Additionally, the continued use of the area for residential.purposes will require reconsideration when the nature and timing of the development of the docks area is known. The environment of Ashridge Street is already adversely affected by the railway bridge and access road to the road bridge and the effect of the new approach road and increased traffic may well require the early clearance of this area. 18. Percival Lane Although the area may not remain residential indefinitely, the existing residential properties should continue to be eligible for improvement grants. The relatively isolated situation of Percival Lane area from the remainder of the community and the overshadowing by the dock area cannot be ignored in assessing the future land use.

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Above: Holy Trinity after redevelopment

Poor property in redevelopment areas Far left: Water Street Above left: EI/esmere Street Left: EI/esmere Street

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Commercial and Social Areas 24. The Master Plan envisages that the commercial demand in the old town will contract considerably and that retail shopping space of 66,000 sq. ft. will be sufficient. The two main existing car parks adjacent to the Market Hall and under the existing bridge approach are largely retained and, together with additional areas to be provided adjoining Mersey Road and Bridge Street, they will ensure adequate car parking for the reduced commercial area. 25. Church Street This area is envisaged as the district shopping centre for the north-western part of the town.

26. High Street This area is envisaged as retaining its present commercial character. The Busway will be taken over High Street by bridge. The general area of the bus station will remain the focus of bus services in the old town providing interchange for both passengers and vehicles between Busway and conventional services. The Busway will cross Devonshire Square at ground level, the crossing being controlled by light signals. Access will be maintained to the rear of the properties on the north side of High Street. The use of Top Locks for .boat mooring will continue and arrangements for relocating the headquarters of the Bridgewater Motor Boat Club are in hand. 27. St. Paul's This is the site of the former St. Paul's Church and adjacent parts of Camden Tannery site. Part of the area is the site of the proposed County Health Centre. The remainder is envisaged partly for general car parking and partly for social uses.
Top: High St., showing Busway Centre: High Street Right: High St., showing proposed Health Centre

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28. All Saints The major change envisaged in this area is the redevelopment of Runcorn Parish Church of England Primary School. The few houses affected are already subject to clearance. 29. Bridge Street The change envisaged in this area is the improvement of the existing carriageway of Bridge Street and its consequential effect on the frontage property. 30. Chapel Street This site comprises the offices of Runcorn Development Corporation and Vestric Limited. The construction of the Greenway Road/Doctor's Bridge link road will require alteration to their access and parking arrangements. 31. Surrey Street Existing commercial and social properties between the junctions of Surrey Street and Albert Street with Greenway Road are retained. 32. Victoria Road This area is proposed for commercial and social uses. The improvement of Victoria Road will have detailed effects on access arrangements. The southerly part of the area should be developed for purposes connected with and making use of the Bridgewater Canal as a social amenity. 33. Lowlands Road This area will be encircled by the Expressway/Bridgehead junction and have only a single vehicular access point. Environmental conditions and access will severely restrict the kinds of development appropriate to the area. Proposals for comprehensive redevelopment of the area for a suitable commercial or social use will be considered on their merits.

Top: Proposed new Primary in Church Street Left: All Saints Parish Church

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Docks Industry and Railway 34. Marine Yard This site isnot affected. Its access will be improved when Mersey Road is improved. 35. Docks The further development of the docks and ancillary uses is proposed but this should be limited until after the new dock access road is constructed and, in considering applications, due attention must be paid to the amenity of the neighbouring residential areas.

Below: Improved open space adjoining the Bridgewater Canal

36. Railway Station Major changes affecting the railway station access arrangements are envisaged. Consultations with all interested Authorities have already commenced. Car parking can be provided in close proximity to the station. 37. Industry The area shown for this purpose at the extreme north-east of the plan will form eventually an extension of the Development Corporation's Astmoor Industrial Estate in accordance with the Master Plan. Open Space 38. The Manchester Ship Canal The plan proposes an amenity area between Mersey Road and -the Manchester Ship Canal. This is regarded as a unique and important opportunity and is a matter for discussion between Runcorn Urban District Council and the Manchester Ship Canal Company. 39. The Bridgewater Canal The opportunities presented by development either side of the canal should be taken to provide as extensive and continuous an open space as possible. Major roadworks will restrict access to large parts of this area to maintenance vehicles and pedestrians only, especially on the south side of the canal. Consideration could be given to providing waterside sites for recreational purposes. 40. Dukesfield As long as the area remains residential the existi ng open character of the surrounding areas must be preserved and if possible improved as the area is lacking in amenity.

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F. Population
41. The existing population of the urban renewal area is approximately 5,900 and the plan envisages a slight reduction in population upon the implementation of the housing redevelopment and general improvement proposals shown on the plan. It is highly desirable, and in accordance with the wishes of the residents, that as many as possible of those disturbed should be rehoused in the area.

G. Implementation and Phasing

42. Financial responsibility for the implementation of the revised proposals can be divided broadly as follows: Expressway and Bridgehead: Cheshire County Council and Runcorn Development Corporation Busway: Runcorn Development Corporation Housing Redevelopment and Local Improvement: Runcorn Urban District Council 43. Individual projects e.g. the primary school, health centre, social clubs etc., will be implemented by the appropriate authorities and organisations. There should also be scope for private investment. 44. The programme envisaged for the construction of the sections of the Expressway shown on the plan, the Bridgehead and the Busway will be phased over the years 1973-77. 45. The phasing of redevelopment and local improvement is very flexible and subject to the usual restraints of the availability of money and land.

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H. Summary of the plan.

a) a large free-flow interchange between the Expressway and the Bridgehead; b) extensive residential redevelopment north of the Bridgewater Canal; c) retention and improvement of certain residential areas; d) reduction of the commercial area; e) a slight net reduction of the population taking into account all the above changes; f) provision for the Busway on a segregated road north of the Bridgewater Canal; g) improvement of open space.

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