LOCAL residents turned out in force to air their views at a consultation event for the long-awaited Appleton Cross community facilities at Warrington.
The event at Appleton Parish Hall gave residents in South Warrington a chance to have their say on proposals for a new mixed-use local centre at Appleton Cross, following years of anticipation for essential community infrastructure.
Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, has appointed developer partner First Step Group (trading as Step Places), together with United Healthcare Developments, to bring forward the long-awaited plans for a medical centre and retail facilities.
The site at the Appleton Cross Local Centre is a crucial part of the wider South East Warrington Urban Extension (SEWUE), an area allocated for approximately 4,200 new homes. While surrounding residential developments by builders like David Wilson Homes have progressed, residents have consistently raised concerns about the delay in delivering supporting community amenities.
The new proposals, unveiled at the community drop-in event on Thursday, November 6, outlined a vision for a “high-quality” centre designed to meet local needs and enhance the overall character of the area.
Following their first round of consultation, feedback called for a local centre.
The mixed-use local centre also includes a community centre, local store and eight houses with associated car parking.
Key elements of the proposed development include:
A new medical centre/doctor’s surgery
Retail and commercial spaces
Community facilities
Attractive public areas
Eight new homes and associated parking
An artist’s impression of the proposed medical centre
Step Places, a regeneration specialist with experience in creating vibrant communities, and partners United Healthcare Developments, say they are committed to developing a vibrant neighbourhood hub that also encourages sustainable travel options such as walking and cycling.
The public engagement phase is vital to gathering feedback that will help refine the plans before a formal planning application is submitted to Warrington Borough Council.
The current consultation period, which runs until November 22, marks a significant step forward following Homes England’s reaffirmation of its commitment to the project following its strategic land acquisition in April 2025. The development is a cornerstone of the council’s Local Plan to deliver much-needed housing and infrastructure in the borough.
Residents can view the emerging plans and provide feedback online via the dedicated project website at www.step-places.com/project/appleton-cross.
