Warden helps to ‘Reconnect Runcorn’ with completion of two major projects

Warden has completed work on two major schemes for Halton Borough Council which form part of the Reconnecting Runcorn regeneration programme.

Works included the transformation of the former Granville Library into a multi-purpose community facility named WELL Runcorn, and the conversion of part of the Camden Buildings into a new digital skills hub.

WELL (Wellbeing, Education and Lifelong Learning) Runcorn brings health, education and wellbeing services together in one location in the heart of Runcorn town centre. The hub can support up to 60 new further education students and enable around 500 additional healthcare assessments each year.

We were responsible for the delivery of a new mezzanine level for classrooms and learning space, consultation rooms, meeting and multi-purpose areas, a café for members of the public, and a staff kitchen.

The £2 million Camden Buildings project saw the creation of flexible learning spaces and workspaces for Halton Council and community organisation Power in Partnership, designed to support skills development and employment opportunities.

Works involved the strip-out and refurbishment of the Grade II listed building, while preserving its historic façade. Warden also delivered a new two-storey extension, winter garden-style lobby with breakout and event space, games area, learning kitchen, and rear garden.

As part of our commitment to social value, we worked with Halton Borough Council to support the Runcorn Community Foodbank, supplied art and unused construction materials for use within the Camden Buildings, and delivered 84 apprenticeship weeks.

Ian Williams, managing director, said: “These projects are a great example of the positive impact regeneration can have on a town and its people. We’ve transformed two important buildings into modern facilities that will support health, education, learning and enterprise, while preserving the heritage of Runcorn town centre.

“These were collaborative projects from start to finish, and the end results reflect the commitment of our team, client partners and supply chain. We’re especially pleased that the quality of the completed schemes have been recognised by stakeholders, and we hope the buildings will serve the community well for many years to come.”

The £23.6m Reconnecting Runcorn regeneration programme consists of eight individual projects that aim to improve the livelihoods of residents and boost the local economy.

As part of the programme, Warden is also currently completing refurbishment works on Halton Stadium – home of Rugby League side Widnes Vikings – which is due to complete later this year.

WELL Runcorn was developed by Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Halton Borough Council, Riverside College, Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The professional team on the project included Cronshaw’s Electrical, WMB (Mechanical), Parkfield, Collective, Jenkinson’s, Glazing by Design and LY Joinery.

The professional team for the Camden Buildings included Bolton Steel, Triangle Joinery, B21, Collective Flooring, Wakefields Demolition, SML Painters, Glazing by Design, Truline Groundworks and Eurosafe.