SOG relaunches hunt for ethical investment in Heath Park

Regeneration specialist SOG Group wants to transform the former ICI headquarters in Runcorn into a net zero campus powered by 100% renewable energy, a project billed as a 21st-century version of Port Sunlight. 

The overhaul of the 57-acre Heath Park campus has been in the pipeline since 2020. SOG had intended to launch the scheme at MIPIM 2020 but the event was cancelled. 

The company will use this year’s edition of the annual property festival in Cannes to engage with potential investors keen to fund the environmentally friendly scheme. 

“Heath Park is a fantastic opportunity for ethical investors to be part of a truly ground-breaking, shovel-ready scheme,” said Tim Metson, managing director at real estate consultancy Coverwood, which is advising SOG.  

“It is a unique model with exceptional ESG values that can be replicated for other locations in the UK and around the world.”  

Heath Park includes:  

• A mixed-use development with energy-efficient housing where people can gather, play and socialise in multi-functional streets
• Parkland and wooded areas for relaxation and recreation. 
• A vibrant new centre with accessible services including shops, restaurants, bars, leisure, arts and medical facilities 
• An inclusive transport strategy, enabling people of all ages to be active and connected and providing walkways, cycle routes and easy access to public transport
• A 55,000 sq ft vertical farm. 

SOG plans to engage with investors at MIPIM next week. Credit: via Paul Smith Associates

“The goal is for Heath Park to be powered by 100% renewable energy,” Metson added. 

“The North West has a number of energy initiatives revolving around solar, wind power, tidal energies and hydrogen that can all be utilised to meet our carbon-free aspirations. There’s also a ground-breaking vertical farm, powered by renewable energy, that is focal to a scheme that has superb ESG credentials and is sure to appeal to global ethical investors.” 

SOG’s vision for Heath Park evolved from a global competition won by EcoResponsive Environments that challenged architects, designers, and planners to create a sustainable, futuristic environment, powered by renewable energy, where people can live, work and play. 

In November 2020, SOG spoke of its confidence in securing investment for the redevelopment, describing EcoResponsive’s designs as “mind-blowing”. 

Metson added: “Our vision is to transform the location to meet the challenges of the future by creating a vibrant net zero carbon environment of residential, commercial and retail space to complement the existing park.”  

Heath Park, currently home to around 120 businesses, is a Liverpool City Region Beacon Project and one of 35 ethical schemes promoted in the government’s Global Investment Atlas. 

Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Mayor, said: “SOG’s vision of transforming The Heath Business and Technical Park into ‘Heath Park’ – a state-of-the-art, sustainable environment in which to live and work – is precisely the kind of inspirational project that aligns with our vision of a growing, dynamic and prosperous Liverpool City Region.  

“This beacon project complements Liverpool City Region’s Local Industrial Strategy while SOG’s intention to target ethical investors for this excellent initiative perfectly aligns with our innovative model of truly inclusive economic growth.” 

SOG was also behind the regeneration of the 17-acre former Sanofi site in Dagenham. The redevelopment of the complex saw the creation of around 5,000 jobs and the generation of £2bn of inward investment, according to SOG.