Key Points
- St Helens Council officers recommend approval for phase two of the Parkside Regeneration scheme at the former colliery site in Newton-le-Willows.
- The second phase covers 120 acres and includes 1.6m sq ft of industrial space, with up to 40% for advanced manufacturing and the rest for storage and distribution.
- The development is expected to add around £70m per annum to the local economy and generate significant business rates.
- Planning committee decision scheduled for 3 February, with highway objections from Warrington Borough Council and National Highways now withdrawn following mitigation measures.
- Joint venture between St Helens Council and developer Langtree, building on phase one approved in 2024 with site clearance underway.
Newton-le-Willows (Liverpool Standard) February 4, 2026 – St Helens Council has signalled approval for the second phase of the Parkside Regeneration scheme, described as truly transformational for the local economy.
The hybrid planning application seeks outline consent for up to three buildings on 120 acres east of Newton-le-Willows, alongside detailed approval for site infrastructure including roads, drainage and landscaping. According to Place North West, council officers have recommended councillors approve the project, which follows phase one comprising 800,000 sq ft of logistics space granted permission in 2024.
What does phase two entail?
The scheme proposes 1.6m sq ft of industrial and logistics space, with up to 40% reserved for advanced manufacturing and the remainder for storage and distribution uses. Insider Media reports the phase is expected to contribute approximately £70m annually to the borough’s economic output. Logistics Matters states the developer anticipates adding £100m a year to economic output and generating £3.7m in business rates.
As reported by Malcolm Jackson of Parkside Regeneration,
“Phase two, if approved, will see us continue with our focus on local supply chain engagement and the delivery of social value so that we maximise the positive impact of the development on the local and wider community.”
How have objections been addressed?
Previous concerns from Warrington Borough Council and National Highways over traffic impacts have been resolved through a package of highway mitigation measures, including £6m in ring-fenced funding for junction improvements at Winwick. Warrington Worldwide notes an independent councillor expressed cautious optimism ahead of the 3 February planning committee meeting.
What public benefits are included?
Plans feature 3.5km of walking and fitness trails, wildflower meadows, open green spaces and interpretive boards celebrating the site’s history from the Battle of Red Bank to its colliery past. When linked with phase one, over 4.5km of landscaped trails will be available on the former 500-acre site, closed since 1993.
What are the next steps and economic impacts?
Access will use a £38m link road connecting to the M6, with exact building layouts subject to a future application. The Business Desk confirms council signals approval for this transformational project, aligning with St Helens Inclusive Growth Strategy. Cllr Richard McCauley, cabinet member for regeneration, highlighted its potential as reported by Insider Media.
Phase two builds on proven joint venture success between St Helens Council and Langtree to deliver jobs and growth in the Liverpool city region.
