A public consultation has been launched into a proposed new garden village in Merseyside which forms part of a 1m sq ft logistics development that could create 1,000 jobs. Tony McDonough reports

Knowsley Council has launched a consultation on plans for an exciting new green space to be created at the heart of the Halsnead Garden Village site.

The proposed plans across the 10-hectare site includes the protection and enhancement of the existing ancient and mature woodlands. It also includes the clearance and management of the existing watercourses, and the protection of grasslands and meadowlands as well as extensive new playing fields and improved fishing facilities.

To ensure that the space meets the needs of existing residents and new communities, Knowsley Council has developed a draft Masterplan and is inviting feedback from the public. Included in the Masterplan are proposals for enhancing the leisure amenities including:

• The provision of new changing facilities for Windy Arbor Playing Fields as well as improved pitches, a sports pavilion and car parking.
• Improved drainage for Mellors Pond providing an accessible lake edge with 30 new fishing pegs and a viewing platform.
• 2.75km of cycleways and 2km of pathways.
• Long Lake will also benefit from the enhancement of the surrounding woodlands and new footpaths with viewing and seating areas.

Halsnead Garden Village is part of the wider Symmetry Park development, a 1m sq ft logistics park built on the site of the former Cronton Colliery. It could provide employment for up to 1,000 people when completed.

Cronton Colliery opened in 1916 and at its height employed more than 900 people and annually produced more than 350,000 tonnes of coal. Eight men were killed in 1917 during an explosion at the seam. It closed in 1984.

The proposed wetland planting, alongside restored wildflower meadows and the planting over 400 trees, will improve bio-diversity, providing new habitats for birds and other species. Recycled materials will be used throughout the scheme wherever possible.

Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “We want to ensure that our ambitious plans are shaped by the community that will be using these impressive new natural facilities.

“We hope as many people as possible will watch the flythrough video and read the proposals and then share their ideas and comments which will help to shape the future of Halsnead Garden Village.

“The masterplan has been designed with accessibility and sustainability at its core to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the new facilities and that wildlife can flourish.”

The plans can be viewed and feedback submitted online at www.halsneadgardenvillage.co.uk or in person at an event at Southmead Children’s Centre on Sherwood Drive in Whiston on Thursday, September 23, between 2pm to 7:30pm. The consultation will close on October 6.