The former Kingsway Leisure Centre site in Widnes has been fully cleared, paving the way for Kingsway Quarter, a new residential neighbourhood in the town centre.

To mark the completion of this phase, the site has been enclosed with promotional hoardings featuring concept designs and imagery showing how the homes and community spaces could look.

Clearance began following the opening of the new Halton Leisure Centre on Moor Lane and involved complex works, including the removal of the old swimming pools and plant rooms. A temporary footpath through the site has also been reinstated, restoring a well-used route for Riverside College students heading into town.

Cllr Phil Harris, Executive Board Member for Housing Strategy, said: "This is an important milestone and the Council can press ahead with our plans for the Kingsway Quarter. This will deliver over 120 new homes in the heart of Widnes.

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"Our vision is to bring forward a range of housing types to meet the needs of the local community in a quality environment with new green spaces to bring people together. With the new Housing Strategy for Halton now published, we have a much clearer idea of what that local need is.

"As well as affordable family housing and an extra care scheme for older people, our ambition is to incorporate some accommodation for young people who are seeking greater independence. A small number of specially designed houses for families with children or young adults who are disabled or have additional needs are also planned.

"The next step is to begin work with a trusted partner to bring the vision for the Kingsway Quarter to life. We hope to make a further announcement in coming months and share more information on the proposals with the community."

The demolition was financed through the government's One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2), a national programme supporting new homes on surplus publicly owned brownfield land. The grant followed a 2024 joint bid with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.