Application goes in for additional 1.7m sq ft at Parkside

The second phase of the 50:50 joint venture between St Helens Council and Langtree is expected to add a further £100m per year to the borough’s economic output.

Spawforths, on behalf of Parkside Regeneration, has applied for permission for the second phase of the regeneration of Parkside Colliery in Newton-le-Willows after a public consultation in July.

This second phase request, where proposals for an £80m, 800,000 sq ft industrial complex, were approved in March 2024.

This second phase requests outline permission for three buildings with up to 1.7m sq ft of floor space designed by architect Fletcher Rae.

Upon completion, phase two would generate £3.7m in rateable income for investment in vital public services, according to the joint-venture.

The developers are searching for manufacturers and more blue-chip logistics employers to fill the buildings.

John Dowes, chairman of Parkside Regeneration and group chief executive of Langtree said: “It has always been our ambition to attract manufacturers to the site to bolster the mix and value of the jobs we create.

“By not seeking detailed design for the buildings now, the scheme can remain flexible so that it can meet the precise needs of footloose and bespoke occupiers.

“It means Parkside can be presented to the market with the ability to say ‘whatever you want, Parkside can deliver,’ which sends a very powerful message.”

Full consent has been sought for infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and landscape design.

Planned footpaths would see the creation of more than 2.8 miles of landscaped trails across the previously inaccessible site.

Closed in 1993, Parkside Colliery was previously the largest and most productive pit in the Lancashire coalfield, but has stood derelict for 30 years.

Parkside Colliery covers an area of 500 acres in total.

Access to phase two will be facilitated by Parkside’s own £38m link road, connecting to the M6.

Resident companies will have a market of more than 5m people within a half-hour drive.

Efforts have been made to recruit local supply chain partners, offering them a chance to bid to support construction across both phases – more than 200 firms registered.

Cllr Kate Grouctt, St Helens Council’s member for business, culture, and leisure said: “This next phase of the regeneration of at Parkside will bring a wealth of opportunities to create high-quality jobs for our residents through our focus on attracting manufacturing companies to the site.

“There will also be opportunities for existing businesses based in St Helens through the supply chain and we will ensure that local spend is maximised at all stages.

“This second phase is an exciting prospect for growing businesses or those considering making our borough their home.”

Curtins is advising on highways and transport matters, and TPM Landscape is the landscape architect. Cundall is the structural and civil engineer.

The application has yet to be validated by St Helens Council.