The Foundry Lane masterplan is an ambitious project to convert land which was formerly the operational site for the Stobart and Tarmac businesses, to a new residential neighbourhood.

Cityheart was appointed as Halton Borough Council’s development partner in 2022 and the proposed scheme has since undergone a redesign and land remediation by specialist contractor P.P. O’Connor.

Sustainable design has been incorporated to maximise the thermal efficiency of the properties which are also bolstered by renewables including, photo voltaic panels (solar panels) and air source heat pumps.

The core project team includes MM Management Services (PM/QS); Corstorphine & Wright (architect); Curtins (engineer); Zerum (planner); DEP (landscape architect) and TACE (MEP).

Further announcements on the progress of Phase 2 will follow later in the year.

Plus Dane manage a growing portfolio of over 13,500 homes across Merseyside and Cheshire. Commenting on this latest development, Deputy Chief Executive, Claire Dixon, said: “We are really pleased to be partnering with Cityheart to get this development moving and to help deliver 63 affordable homes for Widnes, that are in high demand. The Foundry Lane masterplan is ambitious and exciting, and we think the vision will completely transform this former industrial site into a desirable place to call home.”

Cllr Mike Wharton, Leader of Halton Borough Council, said: “This is the first step in us realising our ambition to create a new and vibrant neighbourhood, transforming this previously underutilised site as a place for future generations to live.

“We hope these new homes will act as a catalyst for further regeneration and continued investment into the area.”

The project is supported by funding from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Brownfield Land Fund and Homes England’s Affordable Homes Programme.

Councillor Graham Morgan, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “Our £60m Brownfield Land Fund is helping to deliver more than 4,500 new homes, on previously developed, brownfield sites.  It’s a big part of how we are working hard to tackle the housing shortage and ensure that people right across our area have a great choice of high-quality homes.

“Building on brownfield sites is key to making that happen – there are around 700 of them with enough space to build 42,000 homes.  That’s why I’m so pleased we could support this site in Halebank, whose development will eventually create 300 new homes for local people, creating community on previously used industrial land.  It’s exactly what we need to be doing.”

Gareth Phipps-Williams, Assistant Director – Affordable Housing Programme Management, Homes England, said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting partners to achieve their ambitions. Phase One of the Foundry Lane development is a prime example of how the Agency works collaboratively with partners through the Affordable Homes Programme, creating much needed communities people can be proud to call home.” 

About Cityheart

Cityheart transforms places, delivering bold, sustainable regeneration projects that empower communities and create lasting value. Partnering with the public sector across the UK we transform urban spaces into thriving places for future generations to enjoy.

Though we’re a development company at heart, we push boundaries by blending creative thinking with strategic expertise, offering tailored solutions for the unique challenges of both public and private sector projects.

Collaboration and excellence are at the core of our approach. We work closely with our partners to understand their goals and deliver sustainable, cost-effective solutions that maximise value. As an independent company, we have the freedom to innovate, especially in design and funding, ensuring we explore all possibilities to get the best results.

Alongside regeneration of places we also deliver specialist projects in healthcare, justice, extra care, education, and student living, creating spaces that empower and nurture people.

The business has over £750m GDV of regeneration projects across the UK that will see it deliver more than 1700 new homes, 500 affordable homes, 200,000 sqm of commercial and leisure space and two international branded hotels. £250m GDV of this pipeline is fully funded and we are on site delivering projects across the country including Stopford Park in Stockport, Fettlers in Wigan, Foundry Lane in Widnes, Prescot Shopping Centre and Four Waterside and Marefare in Northampton.

Cityheart is now proudly celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2025.