Major Second Phase of Parkside Regeneration Approved for Newton-le-Willows
St Helens Council has granted approval for the second and larger phase of the transformative Parkside Colliery regeneration project in Newton-le-Willows. This significant decision paves the way for the development of an additional 1.6 million square feet of logistics and manufacturing space, building upon the over 800,000 square feet already consented for the scheme's initial phase.
Planning Committee Greenlights Hybrid Application
At a recent planning committee meeting, councillors resolved to grant detailed consent for enabling and infrastructure works for the hybrid application submitted by Parkside Regeneration, the joint venture between developer Langtree and St Helens Council. The approval is subject to the discharge of a Section 106 agreement and standard planning conditions, with building designs to be addressed in a future reserved matters application.
John Downes, executive chair of Langtree, expressed gratitude for the collaborative process, stating: "This has been a complex process and I'm grateful to all the parties who have helped shape a compelling application, particularly the St Helens Borough Council planning service, whose guidance and support has been invaluable."
Economic Boost and Manufacturing Focus
The second phase is expected to add approximately £70 million per annum to the borough's economic output. Unlike the first phase, this stage introduces manufacturing space to complement the logistics facilities, creating a more diverse employment landscape.
"Phase two will give the project a different complexion, with the addition of manufacturing space," explained Downes. "This will boost the variety, type and earnings potential of jobs on site and enable occupiers to tap into another facet of the area's skills-base. St Helens, and Newton-le-Willows in particular, is a manufacturing heartland and the perfect place to bring advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs."
Transformational Impact and Strategic Benefits
Cllr Richard McCauley, cabinet member for regeneration at St Helens Council, hailed the development as "truly transformational" and emphasised its long-term benefits. "The Parkside Regeneration is a truly transformational development that has been decades in the making and it will generate lasting opportunities for the people of Newton-le-Willows, St Helens borough, and for the wider Liverpool City Region as its forms a core part of the LCR Freeport," he stated.
The project's location within the Liverpool City Region Freeport offers significant tax benefits to occupiers, particularly attractive to manufacturing companies with capital-intensive requirements. The new Parkside Link Road provides efficient access to the national motorway network via Junction 22 of the M6 and the M62, connecting directly to the Port of Liverpool.
Community Engagement and Supply Chain Opportunities
With clearance works already underway for the first phase, the approval adds momentum to local engagement efforts. The project has already hosted its first 'meet the buyer' event at the Brewdog Stadium, where over 80 interview sessions were conducted for local sub-contractors interested in supplying the site.
Nearly 200 firms are currently registered with the project, receiving support with main contractors' pre-qualification requirements. The successful bidder for forthcoming groundworks is expected to be announced shortly, with ongoing opportunities for local businesses to participate in this major regeneration initiative.
The comprehensive professional team supporting the scheme includes Spawforths as planning consultant, Curtins advising on highways, Chroma as project managers, Fletcher Rae as architects, TPM Landscape as landscape architects, and Cundall as structural and civil engineers.
