Warrington Borough Council has launched a consultation on the Sankey Street Gateway scheme. The scheme aims to bring major improvements for everyone accessing the town centre along this route, with new and upgraded footway and carriageway surfacing, more greenery and planting, better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, and improvements for buses.

Funded by the government’s Town Deal programme, the scheme is part of the council’s wider sustainable travel plan, which is promoting more walking and cycling in and around the town centre.

In recent years, traffic levels on Sankey Street and within the wider town centre have reduced.

However, Sankey Street and Bold Street still attract some through traffic and the streetscape is dominated by a wide carriageway, with few crossing points for pedestrians, narrow footways and an unattractive environment for cyclists and bus passengers.

The footway and carriageway are worn and of poor quality in places and the route does not provide a pleasant or attractive connection to the Palmyra Quarter, Parr Hall, Pyramid or the Town Hall.

Additionally, while Hilden Square is a key public space, vehicles still move through the area, conflicting with people gathering and walking around.

The proposed improvements include:

• The removal of all traffic in Hilden Square, providing a safer more welcoming environment for pedestrians
• A new crossing point from Hilden Square to Sankey Street
• Improved footway and carriageway surfacing, wider footways and the introduction of seating along the scheme
• New junction arrangement at Legh Street junction
• New loading time restrictions on Sankey Street and Bold Street eastbound beyond Legh Street, with buses, taxis and cycles permitted at all times
• Additional crossing points on Sankey Street, along with a new, westbound segregated cycle lane

Warrington Borough Council Leader and cabinet member for transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “Sankey Street is a key gateway to our town centre, the Town Hall and our cultural quarter, and is home to many businesses, shops and historic buildings. That’s why it’s important that we create a positive first impression, with a vibrant and welcoming environment.

“These plans would transform this key area in the heart of our town, creating a safer, more attractive, and more accessible public realm for everyone to enjoy.

“By widening footpaths, narrowing the carriageway, and improving crossing points, we aim to encourage more people to walk, cycle, and use public transport in this area. This will not only benefit residents and visitors but also help to reduce congestion and improve air quality, supporting our wider vision to make Warrington a greener, healthier, and more sustainable town.

“If you’d like to have your say on these plans, you can get involved by completing our online survey or attending one of our drop-in events.”

Under the proposals, the improvements will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 of the scheme covers Bold Street and Hilden Square up to Springfield Street. Phase 2 of the scheme will see Springfield Street to Sankey Street improved in the future and will be subject to a separate consultation.

You can get involved in the consultation and have your say by:

• Completing the online survey
• Coming along to one of our consultation events in Golden Square Shopping Centre and speaking to our team about the plans. They take place on:

           - Thursday 21 November, 3pm-7pm

           - Saturday 23 November 9am-2pm

The Sankey Street Gateway consultation runs until Friday 13 December.

For more information on the plans, visit warrington.gov.uk/sankeystreet