Parkside Regeneration LLP has submitted a hybrid planning application for the second phase of the regeneration of the Parkside Colliery site in Newton-le-Willows.
The joint venture company, which comprises St Helens Borough Council and developer Langtree, is seeking outline consent for up to three buildings offering up to circa 155,000 sq m (circa 1.7m sq ft) of industrial and logistics space. Consent is being specifically sought for manufacturing uses.
John Downes, chairman of Parkside Regeneration and group chief executive of Langtree, said: “Our consultation identified natural concerns around issues such as noise, light and landscape mitigation and our technical teams have put a huge amount of work into these issues to ensure that the scheme as proposed meets and exceeds wherever possible our regulatory obligations.
“The public will be able to review all the supporting evidence and documentation and leave further comments via the council’s planning portal. We have worked hard to demonstrate the benefits in terms of environmental mitigation, job creation and supply chain engagement and look forward to putting our proposals before the planning committee for its scrutiny.”
He added: “It has always been our ambition to attract manufacturers to the site to bolster the mix and value of 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.”
Councillor Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for business, culture and leisure, said: “This next phase of the regeneration 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 Borough through the supply chain and we will ensure that local spend is maximised at all stages.
“With final works being completed on Parkside Link Road, opening up the site to its full potential, this second phase is an exciting prospect for growing businesses or those considering making our borough their home.”
The wider project team includes planning consultants Spawforths, architects Fletcher Rae, landscape architects TPM Landscape, Curtins, which is advising on highways and transport matters, and structural and civil engineers Cundall.
