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 can be found by searching reference 25/00606/HYB 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.
“This 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.”
