Network Space lodges plans for 85,000 sq ft Project Halo
Working as development manager for the council, the firm wants to build four ‘tech-box’ life science-focused units at the St Helens Manufacturing & Innovation Campus.
A full application has now been submitted for the five-acre site located off the A570 James Roby Way, featuring four office/industrial hybrid units of between 7,629 sq ft and 31,484 sq ft.
The professional team includes Spawforths, architect AEW, GWB Consultants, Stantec, and Kaizen Consulting Engineers. Urban Green is the landscape architect.
The scheme forms a key part of the Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone.
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NSD was appointed by St Helens Council as development manager in 2023, following the council’s acquisition of the land with support from the Combined Authority.
The company, a long-standing local developer, previously partnered with the local authority to deliver the landmark £54m Glass Futures adjacent to the site.
The site is cleared and ready to go. Credit: via GEM PR
The Project Halo site has already undergone extensive enabling works, including ground remediation, re-profiling, and the construction of a new estate road and roundabout arm at Langtree Way.
These works, led by NSD, enhance connectivity with neighbouring developments and position the site as a “development-ready” location.
Permission is sought across use classes B2 (advanced manufacturing), B8 (storage/distribution), and E(g) (R&D laboratories, professional services, and ancillary offices). All will have adaptable layouts to accommodate bespoke tenant office and laboratory requirements. BREEAM Outstanding is the goal.
As well as Glass Futures, the campus is home to the likes of SINA Medical Glass and Inovus Medical.
Within the LCR masterplan, the expectation is for the St Helens campus to focus on materials science and health technologies, complementing the region’s strengths in infectious disease research and AI-driven healthcare.
Due to the innovation zone status, any future occupiers will enjoy benefits that include full Stamp Duty Land Tax relief for land and buildings bought for commercial use or development for commercial purposes; 100% relief from business rates for five years on newly occupied business premises; enhanced capital allowances of 100% first year allowance for companies’ qualifying expenditure on plant and machinery assets; and enhanced structures and buildings allowance with accelerated relief.
NSD development director Joe Burnett said: “This application represents a pivotal step in realising the vision for a high-quality employment space that addresses a productivity gap within the manufacturing science sector.
“By attracting life sciences businesses, there is the potential to create hundreds of skilled jobs while reinforcing St Helen’s key role in the region’s Investment Zone.”
Cllr Anthony Burns, St Helens Council’s Leader, said: “This is another major step forward for the growth and regeneration ambitions of St Helens. It isn’t just about shiny new buildings but more about raising aspirations and creating new opportunities for our residents.”
Funding for the project was signed off by the council’s cabinet in November.
Subject to approval, construction is anticipated to start in early 2026.
Work could start in early 2026. Credit; via GEM PR
What’s that? Public money spent on a project in the LCR and not one consultant based in the region is working on it. It just keeps happening, well done all.
By Andrew Stott
Well done to the Council. For an Authority of its size they just get on with things and actually deliver.
By Anonymous
I do think Andrew Stott has a valid point more generally, but would recognise in this case that the development manager (Network Space) are based in St Helens. The consultancy team members also successfully delivered the immediately adjacent Glass Futures development so have an inherent knowledge of the site, which is a reasonable consideration in this case I believe.
By Saint