Work starts on Molyneux Avenue

GOLDEN Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) and partners have started work on improving a piece of land that forms part of the Molyneux Avenue triangle area in Bewsey.
The transformation is part of a wider project to redevelop and to revitalise the area called The ‘Delivering Wellbeing in Bewsey and Dallam’ project.
The Molyneux Avenue triangle was identified as one of the early ‘Catalyst Projects’ in the ‘Delivering Wellbeing – From Grey to Green in Bewsey and Dallam’ design report by Groundwork Cheshire, prepared for GGHT in October 2013.
Since then, the Trust has consulted residents living near to the triangle on what improvements they would like to see take place in the area.
Described as an eyesore by some residents, the area was being underused and suffering from a number of issues including ASB, fly tipping and dilapidation of surfacing and edgings, which were causing concerns for residents.
The development will see the Trust working with Groundwork Cheshire and Holmes Design Studio, with the physical improvements being carried out by David Webster & Sons and Warrington Borough Council (WBC) Lighting Engineers.
The refurbishment work to the triangle will see £50,000 worth of investment taking place forming part of plans to environmentally improve the look and feel of the whole area.
Plans include a remodelled grass area with new pathways and edging. The use of stepping stones and boulders will encourage imaginative play. Additional green elements will be added with trees and hedges, improving biodiversity of the area whilst at the same time having a positive impact on the whole community.
High level of sustainability and ensuring value for money is achieved will also be a key objective to the project. Existing paving slabs will be retained and re-used as hard core stone sub base layers, below new hard surfaces. New energy efficient lighting will be installed to replace the old lamps and soft landscape elements to maximise Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS).
The project will also include the re-working of existing mounded areas, rather than complete excavation and removal to landfill or other use to minimise waste and transport miles.
GGHT Chair, Roy Smith said: “I am delighted to see work getting underway. This exciting development of the area is long overdue and we are pleased that so many residents had a say in what they wanted to see done to the area. We look forward to the completion so the community can begin to enjoy it.”
Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for health and wellbeing and adult services, said: “Local surroundings are so important when it comes to not only our wellbeing but also our sense of pride and here we have yet another great example of partnership working that is resulting in real change within our community that residents can see and benefit from.”
Cllr Kate Hannon, executive board member for leisure, community and culture, said: “This is exciting times and this transformation will make a huge difference to the area and with various projects now underway we are all delighted to see that the Delivering Wellbeing in Bewsey and Dallam project is now becoming a reality.”
The work is expected to take up to 10 weeks and will be completed by December, weather permitting.