Parkside Regeneration submits a more detailed planning application for phase one of its £80m Liverpool city region logistics scheme. Tony McDonough reports
A £80m scheme to create a huge logistics hub at a former coal mine in Newton-le-Willows has taken another step forward.
Parkside Regeneration, a joint venture between St Helens Council and developer Langtree, is looking to transform the former Parkside colliery. Pre-construction work on the project began in summer 2022.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove gave the green light to the scheme in November 2021. Now Parkside has submitted a ‘reserved matters’ application. This means it includes details not included in the original outline application.
Subject to approval, work will begin to secure a main contractor to deliver the first phase. This 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 application comprising a further 227,400 sq ft. Overall, the first phase development at Parkside is expected to generate more than 1,300 new jobs.
LBN learned in 2022 that Parkside Regeneration has ambitions to build a a second phase which could lead to a total of 3,000 new jobs.
This fresh application includes more office space in the logistics units than originally planned in response to a “shift in market behaviour”.
Langree chief executive John Downes, who is also chair of the Parkside Regeneration board, explained: “Major occupiers are increasingly putting head-office functions in key distribution hubs.
“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.”
Mr Downes added that every detail, from energy efficiency and supply, to landscaping, site layout and lighting has been “carefully thought through”.
Final building and landscape designs, along with a range of other detailed issues such as junction designs, drainage systems and lighting, will be ruled upon by St Helens Council’s planning committee.
This is expected to happen in September with tender notices being issued to main contractors towards the end of the year if granted.
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Parkside Colliery was operated by British Coal. It was opened in 1957 and closed in 1993 and was the last deep coal mine operating in what was known as the Lancashire Coalfield.
Anne Scargill, the then wife of former National Union of Mineworkers president, Arthur Scargill, led a four-day occupy protest against the closure.
David Baines, leader of St Helens 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.”