HOUSING minister Esther McVey saw first hand regeneration work going on in Warrington town centre which is key to the future success of the town.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was visiting Warrington to find out more about the major town centre investment programme being carried out by the council and partners.
The Minister was welcomed by the Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, Chief Executive, Professor Steven Broomhead and was accompanied by Warrington South MP, Andy Carter.
Mr Carter said: “Regenerating our town centre is key to the future of Warrington. Building affordable homes close to transport links makes complete sense.
“There’s no doubt that we also need to tackle congestion around Bridgefoot and the work now underway with the centre park scheme means we can start to bring other close by areas which need to be re-developed back into use too”.
During her visit she was shown a presentation setting out the council’s 20 year ‘town centre masterplan’ vision. She also toured a range of town centre housing sites and visited The Base on Dallam Lane.
The Minister finished her visit with a look around Academy Street, a new housing scheme, being delivered by Torus Housing, in partnership with the council.
Council leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, added: “These are exciting times for Warrington so I’m delighted we have had the opportunity to welcome the Minister here to show her the range of investment projects currently underway, which are changing the face of our town centre for the better and the future.
Chief Executive, Professor Steven Broomhead, said: “This year is going to be a hugely significant one for Warrington, as our rejuvenated town centre really begins to take shape. It was good to hear the Minister describe the town as the diamond between two large cities.”
Chief Executive of Torus, Steve Coffey, added: “We’re committed to investing in Warrington now and in the future. The Academy Street development is just one of a number of developments we’re delivering across the borough. We’re proud to be partnering with the council to rejuvenate local areas and providing much needed affordable homes to local people.”
