Schoolchildren open new Mersey Gateway information centre in Runcorn
Bridge builder Merseylink has opened a new Mersey Gateway information centre in Runcorn – with a little help from local schoolchildren.
Pupils from St Mary’s CE School in Runcorn at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway information centre in Runcorn Shopping Centre
The new centre is based at the main square (78 Town Square) in Runcorn Shopping Centre. It is free to attend and is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Pupils from St Mary’s CE Primary School declared the centre officially open yesterday (Wednesday 24 February 2016).
Jessica Deane and Pharrell Jones, both in Year 6, cut a ribbon to open the centre during a special launch event.
Pharrell said: “The new bridge is a good idea because the other [Silver Jubilee] bridge gets too much traffic on it. At the information centre I really liked the interactive screens and watching the video.”
Fellow classmate, Tre Gumbs, said: “I learnt that there are a lot of things needed to build a bridge.”
The information centre offers local people the chance to find out more about Halton’s new bridge, which is on schedule to open in Autumn 2017.
Visitors can use interactive display screens to view project information about construction methods, local history and heritage, the environment and ecology. The screens include access to a live site webcam, a special childrens’ zone, e-learning packages and training materials.
Hugh O’Connor, General Manager of Merseylink, said: “This iconic project is of huge significance locally and will provide a lasting legacy for the communities of Halton. Our new facility is free to attend and offers a unique opportunity to find out how the bridge, the approach viaducts, and the many modifications to the road infrastructure are being designed and constructed.”
Rob Polhill, Chair of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board and Leader of Halton Borough Council, said: “The project is at its peak of activity and there is so much to discover about the works taking place. I would encourage anyone interested in the project to visit our centres in Runcorn or Widnes and to chat to a friendly, local volunteer to find out more.”
The new centre complements the existing Mersey Gateway visitor centre at Catalyst Science Discovery Museum in Widnes, and the project’s outdoor environmental trail at Wigg Island.
Both the Runcorn information centre and the Widnes visitor centre are staffed by Mersey Gateway volunteers.