Network Space presses on with Glass Futures

A public consultation has been launched for the proposed £54m glass research facility in St Helens, which this month secured Government backing.

The 158,000 sq. ft centre of excellence in glass manufacturing would sit next to the town’s rugby league stadium, and is to be part-funded by the global glass industry as an R&D facility, featuring the world’s first openly accessible test and trial furnace operation as the industry looks to reduce the carbon footprint of glass production.

Central Government has now committed £15m to the project, which has also secured £9m through the Getting Building Fund.

Developer Network Space has launched the public consultation exercise, inviting local businesses and residents to view the site proposals online.

This includes details of the planned Centre of Excellence, as well as the economic benefits it would bring to St Helens and the wider region. Consultation is open until 14 December.

Catherine Chilvers, development director at Network Space, said: This is a chance for members of the public and local businesses to have a look at the plans for this major regeneration project for St Helens on the former United Glassworks site.

“We would welcome any feedback on the scheme prior to the submission of a planning application, which we hope to submit in the next few weeks.

“Network Space has a long history with this site, having previously delivered the Totally Wicked Stadium and Tesco development. We hope that the local community will be excited about the Glass Futures scheme and the opportunities it can bring to the area.”

The scheme is designed by AEW Architects and Spawforths is the planning consultant.

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Does this replace the existing facility at Lathom Hall?

By Bob Robinson

Bob, this is in St. Helens town centre…not at the Pilkington R&D facility up near Ormskirk.

By Alec

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