Two years ago, a vibrant new chapter began in Murdishaw as the Tea Tree Café officially opened its doors, marking the culmination of community-led regeneration supported by North West housing association, Onward Homes.
It now marks almost a decade since Onward, which owns circa 500 homes in Murdishaw and manages 35,000 homes across the North West, launched its regeneration programme with the goal of bringing lasting improvements to the area.
In this time, the social landlord has delivered an energy efficiency project that saw 132 bungalows in the area made warmer and easier to run, and worked together with Riverside, Halton Borough Council and residents to better manage green spaces and transform an unused boxing gym into the now established Tea Tree Café.
Central to the regeneration was the Community Design Team, a group of local people who Onward worked with closely to ensure that customers had genuine ownership, from the initial public consultations to key decisions on the café’s branding, layout, and activities.
Backed by strategic investment from the Onward Community Fund, Riverside Foundation, Halton Borough Council, and generous contributions from Onward’s suppliers, the Tea Tree Café is testament to community vision and partnership.
Onward also joined forces with Arena Partners to train local volunteers, leading to the formation of Gorsewood Green CIC, which now manages the café.
Bronwen Rapley, Chief Executive at Onward Homes, said: “The true heart of Murdishaw’s transformation lies in the ideas, energy, and aspirations of local people.
“Every step of the regeneration, from big picture plans to the smallest café details, has been shaped by the people who call this place home.
“Their dedication and vision have turned the Tea Tree Café, and the whole neighborhood, into a space that reflects and celebrates the community’s own hopes for the future.”
Richard Rout, Chief Executive Officer of Halton Borough Council, said: “The Tea Tree Café is a brilliant testament to the community and partners who work around it.
“It is a warm, welcoming and vibrant place, providing a great opportunity for people to get together in a safe space.
“The professionalism with which the café is run is a credit to all involved in getting it to where it is today.
“Long may it continue to be a valuable part of the community it is now so successfully serving.”
Karen Purnell, member of the Community Design Team and Director of Gorsewood Green CIC, said: “We’re really grateful to everyone who believed in this from the beginning, but what means the most is seeing how local people have made the café their own.”
Since its opening in November 2023, the café which reinvests profits into the local community, has become a vibrant hub and offers residents a range of activities including crafts, cooking classes, digital workshops, and support groups.
Weekly drop-ins with Onward and Riverside provide direct housing support, and collaboration with the Community Shop has improved access to healthy, affordable food.
Finally, partnerships with local schools have seen work experience placements for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
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