Castlefields Village Square... Castlefields local centre is located approximately 1 km. north of Halton Lea Shopping Centre. It can be accessed by car from Richard Close, Kingshead Close, Chester Close and a busway, which has a stop underneath the shopping centre in both directions. The building is a large concrete structure, which is dated in appearance and suffers from a high level of vacancies and poor maintenance. The centre in its present form is very unwelcoming with its dated concrete construction and enclosed spaces, creating a dark and threatening environment.

In order to address these problems the Castlefields Masterplan, which was approved by Executive Board on the 25 September 2003, sets out the proposals for the establishment of a new village square. The Masterplan envisaged the provision of a public space at the very heart of the Castlefields estate, bringing together community services and an intersection of roads, paths and transport modes.

Over a period of 5 years, it is intended that the existing buildings will be cleared in phases and re-built around a 'village square' type arrangement. This will co-inside with the improvements to the busway, which will provide direct access for buses, cars, pedestrians, and cyclists to the centre.

Then new square will provide a mix of community facilities, retail outlets and residential accommodation. The square will provide the main focal point, providing both public amenity space and access into the main centre. There is also an option to improving the services available to local residents.

Along with the introduction of around 70 new residential flats and apartments, there will be new car park and bus stop facilities for both the medical centre and village square shops. It is hoped that this scheme will commence in spring 2007 with completion expected in March 2011.