Opinions wanted for 3,000-home Bold Forest Garden Village
Avison Young, SLR Consulting, and Social – in collaboration with St Helens Council – have launched the first public consultation on the Bold Forest Garden Village project, which has a local plan land allocation of almost 3,000 homes.
The masterplan’s consultation will run from 14 April to 2 May.
Bold Forest Garden Village is the largest housing allocation in the whole Liverpool City Region.
The 316-acre plot found north of Gorsey Lane in Bold could be developed in line with garden village principals based on abundant green space, active travel routes, and quality landscape design.
A ‘Green Heart’ at the village’s centre would become a key community destination, providing outdoor space for different functions and activities, including a playground and sports court.
To the south of the plot, Clock Face Country Park would be connected to an existing local wildlife area via the ‘Green Heart’ – which would be linked with neighbourhood footpaths with a ‘Greenway’ concept.
The second spatial approach envisions a “village with green edges”, where streets are tree-lined and connected with nature, while the third approach seeks to maximise exisiting community assets.
Plans indicate a community hub, in the form of a local centre, would be built on the site’s north side to integrate adjacent existing communities to the homes with the development.
Connectivity between neighbourhoods would also be streamlined, opening up the development to all.
St Helens Junction Station and Lea Green station are both within walking distance of the site.
Nicola Rigby, principal director, Avison Young, said: “We are looking forward to speaking to the local community about the emerging masterplan proposals.
“The conversations we have and feedback we receive will directly shape the masterplan, which is a really exciting opportunity for Bold, for St Helens, and the wider city region.”
Cllr Richard McCauley, cabinet member for inclusive growth and regeneration, St Helens Council, called Bold Forest Garden Village “one of the most significant housing developments in [the] region”, adding the proposals are focused on creating “healthy, sustainable lifestyles for residents”.
He said: “We know that residents want the opportunity to find quality homes for themselves and their families, and this project will bring a wealth of benefits for not just future generations and the people looking to move to our borough but also those currently living here.
“We want to hear from local people how we can best achieve this to maximise the benefits for everyone.”
Community drop-in events are taking place on the 23 April, between 1pm and 7pm at the Clock Face Miners Rec Club, and on 26 April between 11pm and 4pm at the Clock Face Labour Club.
A second consultation period is set to run in the autumn of this year.
The scheme is expected to contribute directly to the local area with local green spaces targeted for funding, as well as a small slice of primary school financing.
To view the consultation website, follow the link: boldforestgv.co.uk
