High school capacity to rise through Rivers Edge section 106 money

This is part of a £700,000 investment to increase school places and improve transport links in the town, pledged as part of Countryside Homes’ Rivers Edge housing scheme.

Once complete, the estate will boast more than 500 homes, with work on the vast scheme commencing in December 2021.

It is located on the former Spectra Packaging site next to Centre Park and along the River Mersey, either side of Centre Park link road off Chester Road.

The substantial funding contribution will see Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School in Latchford receive £300,000 to provide 75 additional places across all year groups.

A further £300,000 is to create two new bus routes that will access Rivers Edge, delivered by Warrington Borough Council in conjunction with Omega Busways.

The number 47 and 10 services have been introduced to connect Rivers Edge with the town centre and surrounding areas, including Stockton Heath, Grappenhall and Appleton Thorn.

Money has been contributed through the Rivers Edge housing development

Countryside Homes, which belongs to the Vistry Group, says it will also contribute a further £100,000 towards improving healthcare provisions in Warrington.

The commitment forms part of the developer’s section 106 agreement that led to the development receiving planning permission.

Gemma Hardy, managing director for Vistry in Cheshire, said: “Investing in areas is equally as important as providing much-needed new homes.

“A huge part of our funding in Warrington is supporting a nearby high school to provide additional places and help manage increased demand for admissions.

“We are also proud to play a part in improvements to transport and increase the connectivity of the town to the wider region.

“The surrounding communities, as well as Rivers Edge residents, will positively benefit from these key investments long after our work in the area is complete.”