Genr8 Kajima details £200m Huyton regen
Knowsley Council’s development partner has submitted a hybrid planning application seeking full permission to convert the Cavendish Walk shopping centre into a community hub and to deliver a 91,000 sq ft council headquarters and a 130-bed hotel.
Genr8 Kajima’s application also requests outline approval for a mixed-use development with up to 420 homes and a 400-space mobility hub off Lathom Road.
The development, to be known as St Michael’s Place, centres on a seven-acre site in Huyton town centre. St Michael’s Place is bordered by Archway Road, Poplar Bank, and Derby Road.
The future Knowsley Council headquarters would sit south of Archway Road. It would comprise a council chamber, conference suite, business lounge, children’s services, and training rooms, in addition to a series of offices. Designed by 5Plus Architects, the building has a target BREEAM score of Excellent.
Designed by KKA, the proposed hotel would be located to the south east of the council headquarters. It would contain 130 bedrooms.
Part of the proposals include a central village green, which would be designed by Lucid, the project’s masterplanner and landscape architect.
As for the Cavendish Walk aspect of the proposals, its transformation will be delivered in phases as leases expire. The initial work will deliver a new home for the town’s library as well as flexible workspace for micro businesses and SMEs.
The project team for St Michael’s Place consists of quantity surveyor Arcadis, transport consultant Astute, planner Turleys, and engineer Buro Happold. M&E engineer Hoare Lea is working on the council headquarters, while Hannans is handling M&E for the hotel.
The application is not yet live on Knowsley Council’s planning portal.
The application submission follows a four-week consultation from earlier this year. Feedback was gathered from the more 5,080 people who visited the consultation website or attended one of the in-person events.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to engage with us,” said Mike Smith, director at Genr8 Kajima.
“The community’s feedback has been invaluable in helping us refine our proposals – from supporting local business and green space to shaping the public realm and housing offer,” he continued.
“his is a pivotal moment for Huyton, and we’re proud to be taking the next step in delivering a town centre that’s ambitious, inclusive, and future-ready.”
James Duncon, chief executive of Knowsley Council, added: “Submitting this planning application is a significant milestone in our vision for Huyton Town Centre.
“The response to the consultation shows a strong appetite for change and a shared ambition to bring new life to the ‘Village’,” Duncan continued.
“This project will create jobs, attract investment, and deliver the kind of vibrant, sustainable community our residents deserve.”
Another transformational scheme for Knowsley.
By Anonymous
Actually looks like a good use for it.. retail centres still need support though.. lower rates and easy transport for shoppers.. at least it’s central and useful.. and I’m sure the councillors will provide themselves ample free parking
By Anonymous
A 130-bed hotel in Huyton village? What’s the rationale, the business case, the return on investment? Has the council bought into a “regeneration dream” that will leave us paying for it, month after month, for the next forty years?
By Anonymous
It’s surprising but a 130 bed hotel would attract football tourists given the proximity of the rail station with quick journeys into Liverpool city centre.
Are there any plans for Lathom Rd, which at present looks very unattractive, plus the back of the old Mayfair Cinema is not a good look, in fact it needs demolishing and replaced by 4 storey flats fronting onto Lathom Rd. At the same time if Sherborne Square is to be retained it should be landscaped with trees and grasses in order to improve its appearance.
By Anonymous
November 04, 2025 at 1:02 pm By Anonymous
Hotels.. a room with a private showeroom are easily converted to HMO and communal living.. which is why there are constant plans to build them
By Anonymous
Public sector project in Liverpool City Region with barely any new jobs created locally by their designers. Does anyone else give away quite so much work to elsewhere as they do in that region. One in the eye for social value! Ludicrous.
By Franny Lea
Best of luck to Knowsley.
By Anonymous
I think the library is good where it is and a hotel isn’t really needed. I’m glad they are building more homes but will they be high standard ones that are affordable?Huyton needs a central hub for council services meeting spaces,social services for children and adults and I’m glad they are building a mobility hub.
By Anonymous
Is the site plan available?
By Kevin