A reserved matters planning application has been submitted for the first phase of development at the derelict former Parkside colliery in Newton-le-Willows, St Helens.
The application, which was submitted by Parkside Regeneration, a joint venture between St Helens Borough Council and developer Langtree, proposes the construction of 1m sq ft of logistics space at the site.
The first phase of the project will include two speculatively built units of 367,700 sq ft and 198,100 sq ft. Details of a third unit are also being submitted as part of the reserved matters application comprising a further 227,400 sq ft. The secretary of state granted outline consent for the wider Parkside site in late 2021.
John Downes, chair of the Parkside Regeneration board and chief executive of Langtree, said: “The scale of the project and our desire to deliver a best-in-class development across the board means this has necessarily been a lengthy process. It’s been worth the hard work because what we are proposing far exceeds anything I’ve seen in the logistics arena. Every detail, from energy efficiency and supply, to landscaping, site layout and lighting has been carefully thought-through so that potential occupiers can be satisfied that they are bringing their brand to a suitable home.
“Major occupiers are increasingly putting head-office functions in key distribution hubs, and we recognise the importance of the office areas as places for people, and the relevance of building design to facilitate health, wellbeing, and productivity. We have therefore reflected this by upgrading our office specifications within each building, as well as the façade treatments that go with them. It will mean a wider range of jobs available for local people, with higher salaries and different career paths, too.”
David Baines, leader of St Helens Borough Council, added: “I am confident that residents will be pleased with the project details that we are bringing forward. Parkside will be a high-quality development that will enhance the area, provide a positive setting for businesses to locate to and ensure environmental net gain. And being part of the Liverpool City Region Freeport will bring additional benefits for businesses right across the borough and beyond, creating prosperity and tangible benefits for our residents in the form of good quality jobs and the increased opportunities that a growing economy brings.
“The council and Langtree are committed to providing a development that has the highest possible environmental credentials. Should the application be approved, we can look forward to progressing into the delivery phase and engaging as much of our local supply chain as possible to help with the construction and fit-out of the units.”
It is anticipated the application will be put in front of St Helens Borough Council’s planning committee in September and if granted tender notices will be issued to main contractors towards the end of the year.
Parkside Regeneration said it will also be submitting a separate planning application to enable it to move surplus material in land earmarked for phase two of the scheme into the phase one area in the coming weeks, which would help minimise the amount of off-site imported material needed to deliver the extensive landscape designs and site levels across phase one.
