Genr8 Kajima targets 2027 start for Huyton regen
With an eye towards completing the transformation of the Knowsley town in 2035, the developer has submitted an application that teases how it will approach building a 36,700 sq ft council headquarters, up to 420 homes, a 130-bed hotel, and up to 60,300 sq ft of commercial properties.
The environmental impact assessment screening opinion builds upon a consultation held earlier this year. It provides a basic overview of Genr8 Kajima Regeneration’s and its partner, Knowsley Council’s, vision for the nine-acre site.
The plot is currently occupied by the Municipal Tower, Annex, and Computer Centre. These are all due to be razed. Enabling works for the site are estimated to begin in 2026.
Prior to the start of construction in 2027, this area could be used as a padel court, pocket park, pop-up market, or community garden, according to the EIA opinion submitted for Genr8 Kajima by Turley.
The exact number of homes versus commercial spaces to be built is up in the air. The EIA accounts for the maximum on both counts, a figure that is not sustainable in reality. So there will not be 420 new homes and 60,300 sq ft of retail, offices, and community spaces. The true figures will lie somewhere in the middle.
Buildings will largely be five or six storeys in height, but the proposals from Genr8 Kajima could include a few that go up to 12. Roofs would be green where able.
Public realm is a factor as well in the council and Genr8 Kajima’s plans. Permeable paving would abound and rain gardens would be installed. The cenotaph would be relocated to the site. Cycle and pedestrian routes would be created.
Those arriving by car would arrive either via Archway Road, Poplar Bank, or Westmorland Road. They would have access to an 108-space surface-level car park.
It is not all demolition either. The retail parade, Cavendish Walk, is due to become a mixed-use community hub and the new home of the Huyton Library.
If all goes according to plan, the first occupiers could move in 2029. The demolition and construction project would provide a £40m economic boost, according to Turley. When operational, the project could lead to a £18m economic output.
Genr8 Kajima has been working on the scheme since it was appointed in 2022. At the time, director Miek Smith said: “[The project] will transform the town centre and create an innovative mixed-use environment in which the whole community can thrive, and which will be the catalyst for further regeneration throughout the borough.”
To learn more about the scheme search application reference number 25/00446/SO on the Knowsley Council planning portal.
Take your time why don’t you?
By Roy
There’s no money to deliver this hopelessly unviable scheme – that’ why it has taken ages
By Viability
This is positive but would also like to see Lathom Rd sorted as it’s not a pleasant look at the moment. Also the historic Park Hall refurb, is that going to remain stalled forever?
Huyton Town Centre is lucky in that it’s railway station is in the middle of the town making commuting to and from Lime St so convenient, so building residential there should prove popular.
By Anonymous
Build loads more residential near the station. There’s your regeneration plan. Building fancy new council offices with green roofs is not going to help.
By BA