£1m investment in major environmental projects on Mersey Waterfront
January 2006 will see significant progress on two major environmental projects supported through the Mersey Waterfront programme in Halton.
WIGG ISLAND VISITOR CENTRE, RUNCORN
Work gets underway on a new visitor centre in January. It is estimated an additional 10,000 people – including school and community groups - will use the new facility annually, following its opening later in 2006.
More than half a million pounds is being spent on the centre, with £200k from the Mersey Waterfront programme, £100k from Halton Council and additional support from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, Wren Landfill Tax and Onyx Landfill Tax. It will focus on the wildlife and heritage of the site, as well as the wider Mersey Waterfront.
The centre will also use the latest design techniques to reduce the impact on the environment, including:
- Recycled materials, including warm-cell super-insulation made out of old newspapers
- Mechanically assisted ventilation through a solar ‘Stay-Warm’ system
- The use of rainwater from the building’s roof for handwashing
WIDNES WARTH NATURE RESERVE
The latest stage of environmental work on saltmarsh previously considered as derelict land, will be finished in January.
Work to create a safer, cleaner and more attractive waterfront environment has included the construction of a 160m walkway and new viewing areas. It is part of a longer-term project funded with £385k from Mersey Waterfront, alongside £85k from Halton Council.
“These projects will go some way to altering the perception that the landscape around Runcorn and Widnes is purely industrial,” says Sara Wilde, Chair of Mersey Waterfront.
“The new visitor centre at Wigg Island will be a landmark building, and shows how previously contaminated land can be cleaned up to provide a high-quality environment. Widnes Warth is also a key site, although not many people realise it is designated as a Special Protection Area for birds and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.”
Cllr Rob Polhill, Halton's Mersey Waterfront Board member, commented: "These are two very important environmental schemes that are excellent examples of how derelict land can be transformed. This latest significant investment will provide facilities to make them even more attractive and accessible to Halton residents and visitors to the borough."
