Approval likely for 1.6m sq ft Parkside industrial

St Helens Council officers have recommended councillors sign off the second phase of the redevelopment of the former colliery, a project that is expected to bolster the area’s economy by £70m a year.

The project is being delivered by Parkside Regeneration, a joint venture between St Helens Council and developer Langtree. The first phase, which comprised 800,000 sq ft of logistics space, secured planning permission in 2024. Site clearance work is underway on that phase.

This next phase sits on 120 acres east of Newton-le-Willows and would feature 1.6m sq ft of industrial uses – with up to 40% tentatively reserved for advanced manufacturing. The remainder has been allocated for storage and distribution uses, like the first phase.

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Malcolm Jackson, chairman of Parkside Regeneration, said: “Phase two, if approved, will see us continue with our focus on local supply chain engagement and the delivery of social value so that we maximise the positive impact of the development on the local and wider community.

“The joint venture has proven to be an effective vehicle through which we can push for and secure these gains in accordance with the St Helens Inclusive Growth Strategy and I want to thank the council for its support throughout.”

The exact layout of phase two’s buildings will be the subject of a future application, with this one only seeking outline permission for the development.

Parkside is well-placed for industrial development, bordered by the West Coast Mainline and the Liverpool-Manchester railway – and within close proximity to the M6 and Junction 9 of the M62. The project is part of the Liverpool City Region Freeport.

Josh Downes, development director at Langtree, said: “This is a nationally-significant development and the inclusion of manufacturing uses would, if consented, bring an added dimension to the development and the mix of jobs for local people.

“The scheme’s position within the Liverpool Freeport offers occupiers a wide range of tax benefits and Parkside Link Road takes vehicles efficiently onto the national motorway network.  Our market testing continues to identify strong latent demand for what we will bring to market.”

While outline permission is sought for the brick-and-mortar elements of phase two, full permission has been requested to proceed with enabling and infrastructure works on the site.

This includes the introduction of 3.5-kilometres of walking and fitness trails for the public to enjoy, as well as wildflower meadows and other open green space. Parkside Regeneration’s plans also include a celebration of the site’s history – with interpretive boards to be set up along the site showcasing the area’s role at the Battle of Red Bank in the Civil War and then as a colliery.

“A key gain for local people is the ability to access what has been a closed site for decades,” Downes said.

Spawforths is leading the planning for Parkside, with Fletcher Rae as the architect. The project team also includes TPM Landscape, Curtins, and Cundall.

To learn more about the project search reference P/2024/0419/HYEIA on St Helens Council’s planning portal. St Helens Council will discuss the planning application at its meeting on Tuesday.