A town that is more than a "mere dormitory town of Liverpool" has much potential, residents say.
Halewood has grown in popularity and is renowned for its beautiful green spaces, historical value and being the home of the first war horse grave. The township lies in South Liverpool, just eight miles from the city centre and near the Cheshire border.
One of the oldest highways in the township is Lower Road where you can still see many old houses and farmland near Everton FC's new training ground. Not too far away is the nature conservation Halewood Triangle Park on the grounds of a former railway line.
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Knowsley Council said this year will be an "exciting year" for Halewood as investment works continue, but residents say it is the people that make it "great". With a population of over 20,000, one woman, who did not wish to be named, said she appealed for food donations for struggling families and was "inundated" with the response.
She told the ECHO: "That's what makes Halewood, it's what we are about. If anyone needs help, it's there. You've got so much happening for the kids and it's just a lovely place to be.
"This town has so much potential. It's sometimes forgotten about, but it's got so much life and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else."
Over 1,300 homes are currently being built with the hopes of increasing population size and investment opportunities. A Levelling Up Fund bid has also been submitted with the hopes of expanding the town's retail offer.
A 'vibrant town'
Halewood has always come together in celebration as town council clerk Gerry Allen said historical minutes dating back to 1937 showed plans for the coronation of King George VI. He added: "Halewood is growing as a town, and its population will be around 20% more by 2030 than it is at present.
"Hopefully, new developments will deliver new infrastructure to enhance the community spirit of the township. We hope the town will be a place with a great retail offer and leisure provision for its residents, so they’re not required to travel to Liverpool or Prescot for their culture or to enjoy a meal or a Craft Beer.
"Halewood Town Council will be sharing its consultation findings with Knowsley MBC to ensure the ambitions of Halewood people are realised when the town is developed in the future. We hope they join us in wanting a town that is vibrant, a place where people would choose to live, not a place that is a mere dormitory town of Liverpool."
Concerns have previously been raised about "overstretched services", but Knowsley Council confirmed investment is imminent. An initial investment of £3.7million has already been committed to support the expansion of Plantation Primary School, creating additional places.
Money from developer contributions will include:
- Up to £4.6million on creating new primary school places.
- Up to £4.4million on improvements to local roads.
- Up to £1.1million on outdoor sports provision.
- Up to £1.1million on early years childcare facilities.
- Up to £1million on the enhancement, management, and maintenance of Finch Woods.
- Up to £1million on subsidised bus services.
- Up to £104,000 on improving local healthcare facilities.
- Up to £91,000 on maximising opportunities for local people to be employed and trained during the period of construction.
'Exciting time of change'
Resident David Hooton added: "The examples of community spirit and togetherness in Halewood are almost too numerous to mention. For me, the work undertaken by community organisations across the township during Covid-19 is the most resonant.
"Halewood’s strong community sector responded quickly and magnificently to the challenges of the coronavirus crisis. This was vital, as it was sometime before mainstream partners were able to develop their systems of support."
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: "It is an exciting time of change and evolution for Halewood as we see the town grow and develop. Alongside the new, high quality, homes being created we are also working on a number of projects that will enhance the town – we recognise that the population is growing so we are also improving local infrastructure and facilities to benefit current and future residents.
"We are investing to increase school capacity, improve local roads, enhance green spaces, and improve the local retail offering. Work is already well under way on these projects with lots more planned. 2023 is set to be an exciting year for Halewood and its residents."
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