Path clear for 195,000 sq ft Knowsley shed 

The local council has paved the way for the redevelopment of the former Contract Chemicals factory off Penrhyn Road. 

An application from Knowsley Redevelopments, headed up by Desmond and Patrick Kelly, sought the local authority’s views on its plans to redevelop the 9.3-acre site in the form of a scoping opinion. 

This is aimed at establishing whether or not an environmental impact assessment should be submitted alongside a planning application. 

Knowsley Council has ruled that an EIA is not required, paving the way for the submission of a full planning application. 

The developer is working with UMC Architects and planning consultant Gerald Eve on the project. 

The scheme will comprise the demolition of the former Contract Chemicals factory and the construction of a single 184,000 sq ft warehouse and 10,000 sq ft of auxiliary office space. 

The proposal would be expected to create around 187 full time equivalent jobs, according to Gerald Eve. 

In addition, bringing the vacant site back into use could generate around £4.7m a year for the local economy, Gerald Eve estimates. 

Contract Chemicals collapsed into administration last year and Knowsley Redevelopments subsequently acquired the site and auctioned off its machinery and equipment.