Historic Parkside Colliery Regeneration Takes a Significant Step Forward
The ambitious regeneration of Parkside Colliery in Newton-le-Willows marks a milestone with the approval of a ‘reserved matters’ application for its initial phase. This green light for detailed design setting unfolds the next chapter in the rejuvenation of this historic site, offering a fresh economic lease of life to the local community.
The first phase of the redevelopment project comprises three units, ensuring a substantial provision of approximately 800,000 square feet of B8 space. This development not only promises to breathe new life into the former colliery grounds but also aims to significantly boost the employment landscape in Newton-le-Willows.
Expressing his satisfaction with the progression, John Downes, Chairman of Parkside Regeneration, highlighted the journey undertaken to reach this pivotal moment. The project, a joint venture between St Helens Borough Council and Langtree, encapsulates a complex blend of ambition, heritage, and forward-looking economic strategy.
“The exhaustive path leading to this approval illustrates the profound scale of transformation envisioned for Parkside. The detailed planning required to bring this vision to fruition reflects our commitment to revitalizing this site as a major employment hub,” Downes remarked. With a career that began at Parkside Colliery in 1976, Downes’ connection to the site is deeply personal. “The transformation from a state-of-the-art coal mine to a modern employment generator fulfills a longstanding dream,” he added.
The articulation of the scheme, endorsed by St Helens Borough Council’s planning committee, unveils a clear trajectory towards realizing the potential of the site. The ‘reserved matters’ encompass critical components such as infrastructure specifics, plot levels, and entrance designs, alongside the architectural blueprint for the first three units.
At its heart, Parkside Regeneration is about more than just industrial space; it’s an initiative to open up the former colliery to the public through thoughtfully designed landscapes, embedding a heritage trail to celebrate its historical significance.
With an outline consent secured in November 2021 following a public inquiry, the project is geared to transform up to 2.6 million square feet of the site into a hub for logistics and advanced manufacturing sectors. The £80 million investment in the first phase is expected to generate approximately 1,330 jobs, tapping into the economic veins of the region through the forthcoming £55 million Parkside Link Road. This infrastructural enhancement is poised to seamlessly connect the site to the M6 motorway, fuelling logistics efficiency and economic vibrancy.
The fiscal projections for Parkside are equally promising, with an anticipated generation of over £2.2 million in annual rates revenue for St Helens Borough Council, alongside an injection of more than £80 million to the borough’s economy annually.
This approval heralds a significant leap towards rekindling the economic spirit of Newton-le-Willows, transforming the legacy of Parkside Colliery into a beacon of industrial innovation and employment opportunity for the community and beyond.
