Knowsley consults on 25-acre Halsnead green space
The council is seeking feedback on plans for woodlands, fishing facilities and playing fields at the garden village development.
Plans across the site include the protection and enhancement of the existing ancient and mature woodlands, the clearance and management of the existing watercourses, and the protection of grasslands and meadowlands as well as new playing field areas and improved fishing facilities.
Included in Knowsley’s masterplan are proposals for enhancing the leisure amenities including:
- New changing facilities for Windy Arbor Playing Fields as well as improved pitches, a sports pavilion and car parking
- Improved drainage for Mellors Pond providing an accessible lake edge with 30 new fishing pegs and a viewing platform
- 75km of cycleways and 2km of pathways
- Long Lake will also benefit from the enhancement of the surrounding woodlands and new footpaths with viewing and seating areas
The proposed wetland planting, alongside restored wildflower meadows and the planting over 400 trees, will improve bio-diversity, providing new habitats for birds and other species. Recycled materials will be used throughout the scheme wherever possible.
Cllr Tony Brennan, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “We want to ensure that our ambitious plans are shaped by the community that will be using these impressive new natural facilities.
“We hope as many people as possible will watch the flythrough video and read the proposals and then share their ideas and comments which will help to shape the future of Halsnead Garden Village. The masterplan has been designed with accessibility and sustainability at its core to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the new facilities and that wildlife can flourish.”
Halsnead Garden Village is one of 14 such developments announced by the Government in January 2017. Other garden villages in the region include Handforth in Cheshire East, Bailrigg in Lancaster and St Cuthbert’s, Carlisle.
In December last year, the Land Trust reached an agreement with Knowsley to manage the green space at the project.
In total, Halsnead is expected to provide up to 1,600 homes ad 55 acres of employment space. Taylor Wimpey, Stewart Milne Homes and a joint venture between Bloor Homes and Maro have thus far advanced projects of varying size within its scope.
The green space along with the rest of the masterplan proposals can be viewed online, wihle there will also be a pulbic event on 23 September at Southmead Children’s Centre on Sherwood Drive, Whiston.
