Main heading

Land Regeneration Home | Regeneration Projects | Northwich Community Woodlands

Cheshire County Council has entered into a partnership with the North West Development Agency to transform 170 hectares of brownfield land within Cheshire and Warrington into an environmental asset. In March 2008 both organisations signed an agreement to secure £17.3 million of NWDA funding, to finance the creation of new green spaces with improved public access and enhanced provision for nature conservation on previously developed land.

The programme is known as REVIVE and currently covers 20 individual sites. Site investigation, consultation, design and implementation works are to be carried out over a period of 7 years, with active management for 15 years after contract completion to ensure benefit from the investment is sustained.  This will bring the total REVIVE programme period to 22 years. The funding package will include the full costs for 4 additional members of staff to form the REVIVE team.

The NWDA has identified within its Regional Strategy a need to invest in the image and environment of the region.  The agency placed the  treatment of derelict, underused and neglected land on a list of priorities within its Corporate Plan. The aim of the NWDA funding is to improve economic prospects for the region by creating a higher quality environment, improved image and attractive setting for inward investment. The creation of quality open spaces will provide opportunity for recreation, exercise and healthy lifestyles and enhanced biodiversity.

The Regional Agency has already funded site investigations and the production of a Business Plan. County Council staff have been involved in discussions with landowners for some time and the confirmation of regional funding will allow negotiations to be finalised. Many of the sites lie within the proposed Weaver Valley Regional Park but the programme also includes the creation of a new cycleway between Chester and Mickle Trafford along a disused railway.

The first improvements to be delivered on the ground will be in Warrington, where the Borough Council is working towards the regeneration of the former Bewsey Tip and Woolston New Cut Canal. It is hoped to commence site operations in the Autumn. At both sites this will involve the construction of a new network of footpaths, tree planting and improvements to existing water features. At Woolston the REVIVE funding will support the establishment of an Urban Ecology Park along the line of the former canal. New habitats such as reedbeds will be created as part of a new community facility.

Partners Include:

• Cheshire County Council
• North West Development Agency
• Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance
• Chester City Council
• Congleton Borough Council
• Borough of Macclesfield
• Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council
• Vale Royal Borough Council Warrington Borough Council
• Groundwork
• Mersey Basin Campaign
• Chemicals North West
• Mersey Forest