A planned regeneration of the disused former Parkside Colliery site in Newton-le-Willows could create up to 1,200 new jobs and generate an estimated £40m for the economy, if it goes ahead.
The development is being proposed by Parkside Regeneration, a joint venture between developer Langtree and St.Helens Council.
John Downes, group MD at Langtree, said: “We have consulted extensively on our proposals and received some very constructive feedback. Where practical we’ve incorporated a number of suggestions into our proposals and intend to share them with the public before we submit our plans.
“The plans cover the proposed first stage of the development, which would incorporate as much as 1,000,000 sq ft of new employment space and provide up to 1,200 new jobs for the area.
Further, it would generate an estimated £40m a year in economic activity and add £3.25m annually in rates payments for the council.”
If plans put forward by Parkside Regeneration are approved, development of the site will also see the introduction of a new link road from the site to junction 22 of the M6.
Earlier in the year, an initial consultation was held, with feedback from the public highlighting a need for a new road between the site and the M6, to ease congestion on local roads. Meetings have since been held between St.Helens Council, developers and stakeholders to discuss potential routes for a link road.
Council Leader Barrie Grunewald said: “The Parkside development represents an extremely attractive proposition for logistics and warehousing companies looking for a prime location on the motorway network.
“A new link road would not only attract businesses to the site but would clearly benefit local people and commuters. In fact, public feedback on the development of the Parkside site highlight that local people saw the development of a new link road as essential.
“There is nothing not to like about the proposals for this road, with businesses, local people and commuters all benefitting from the scheme.”
Two public information days will be held to allow the council and developers to consult with local people, before a planning application is made on the 31st July.
The information events will take place on Tuesday 11th July at Hope Academy in Newton-le-Willows from 4pm-8pm and Thursday 13th July at Winwick Leisure Centre from 4pm-8pm.
