A major project to transform parts of Halewood is seven months behind schedule as a result of ‘government delays.’
Knowsley Council’s plans for the expansion of Halewood’s district centre had been announced as one of the proposals approved for the second round of government Levelling Up Funding earlier this year.
However, because of delays in the government announcing the results of the bid and further delays in putting together a memorandum of understanding about the £13.4m funding being provided for the project, a council report discussed at a meeting of Knowsley’s cabinet tonight said it had led to substantial delays in moving the project forward.
The report, which sought approval for the council to move forward the Halewood “leisure and connectivity” scheme, also provided details about some of the ways in which the money will be spent.
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£2..5m has been allocated for walking and cycling links along areas including Higher Road, Leather’s Lane, Wood Rand and Hillingdon Avenue. A further £3.9m is to be spent on improvements to Halewood Leisure centre and a decarbonisation scheme, similar to the one recently carried out at Kirkby Leisure Centre with an additional £2.1m to go on external improvements, including car parking.
Works on the town centre, including to develop leisure and open space facilities, sports pitches and public open space as well as public realm works in the district centre have been allocated over £6.7m with further expenditure from private sector investment expected to follow to bring about a retail expansion in Halewood.
The projects are now set for completion by 2026 with the cycling and pedestrian improvements already underway, work due to start on Halewood swimming pool later this year and working on the town centre due to start 2023/23 subject to stakeholder engagement and land release.
The report states that survey work is “currently ongoing” with the council needing to “reprofile” the project due to the government delays, more details of which will be released once the initial surveys have been carried out.
The report notes that the council is also investing £13.4m in the town generated through developer contributions from major housing developments under construction in Halewood. Work has already begin on some projects connected with that, including up to £1m of improvements to Finch Woods.
Speaking at the meeting of Knowsley’s cabinet held at Huyton Muncipal Buildings, cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Tony Brennan said the successful Levelling Up Bid would bring “significant benefits” to the town.
Cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, Cllr Shelley Powell said she was happy that Halewood had been “recognised” as in need of significant investment, while council leader Cllr Graham Morgan spoke of “exciting times ahead”.
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