Plans revealed for 800 homes on huge St Helens brownfield plot

A public consultation has begun on the largest brownfield site in St Helens Council’s emerging Local Plan, Cowley Hill Works, where plans are being brought forward to build more than 800 homes.

BXB Cowley Hill, a joint venture between BXB Land Solutions and Promenade Estates, is looking to submit a planning application for the area in autumn this year.

This will feature up to 816 homes to be delivered over a five to seven-year timeframe. Under the masterplan, 104 acres of brownfield land will be redeveloped for housing; glass manufacturer NSG Pilkington currently operates on a 40-acre neighbouring plot and will remain in place as the homes are built out.

The proceeds of the land sale for housing are likely to be reinvested by the company into its St Helens operation.

The development is the first to be brought forward under the joint venture between BXB and Promenade estates, which formed a land acquisition partnership in June this year.

Gary Goodman, director at BXB Cowley Hill said: “Cowley Hill Works presents a fantastic opportunity for St Helens to deliver much-needed residential land within a sustainability location whilst ensuring the longevity of a key local employer. From the outset our approach to this site has been collaborative and this approach will continue as we seek to ensure the delivery of this complex brownfield site, which has laid dormant for many years.

“Cowley Hill Works is the first joint venture between BXB Land Solutions Ltd and Promenade Estates, both of whom have a wealth of development expertise. We are committed to delivering a development that will provide high quality homes to the St Helens residential market.

“This site also presents the opportunity for other key stakeholders to work along us and ensure our initial investment acts as a catalysis and ensure longer-term strategic benefits can be delivered within this locality, which responds to the local need and assist the Borough in securing their long-term objectives.”

The developer is looking to gauge public views on its plans, with two rounds of public consultation. The first is now under way and more information can be found here.