WINWICK residents can have their say on development plans for a nearby former coal site.

Parkside Regeneration LLP has announced that it is to launch a public consultation for the second phase of its regeneration of Parkside Colliery in Newton-le-Willows.

It comes after the first phase was granted in March this year, when a ‘reserved matters’ planning application was approved by St Helens Borough Council.

The site is a joint venture between St Helens Council and developer Langtree.

Now, Langtree will be seeking permission for a further 160,000 square metres of floorspace and the second phase will seek permission to house advanced manufacturing businesses alongside more of the blue-chip logistics operators that were the focus of phase one.

“Phase two of Parkside has the potential to generate around £100m of annual economic output,” said John Downes, chairman of Parkside Regeneration, and also group chief executive of Langtree.

“This is a transformational number which, when added to the GVA from our first phase, promises a step-change for the local and regional economy.”

Homes in the parts of Newton-le-Willows closest to the site, as well as in neighbouring Lowton and Winwick, were leafleted over the weekend with details of the consultation website and how to participate. 

“We want as many local residents and stakeholders as possible to participate in the consultation.  By placing it on-line, we’re able to extend the consultation period and cater for people’s lifestyles and work schedules,” said John Downes.

 A hybrid planning application for the second phase development, which will ask for outline consent for the buildings and detailed consent for the site’s infrastructure, is hoped to be submitted by the end of August at the latest.

A major project was recently completed to identify local supply chain partners who can bid to support the scheme’s construction across both phases.  Almost 200 registered with the project and work is now underway on supporting applicants with pre-qualification requirements.  Any business still wishing to register can do so at https://thisisparkside.co.uk/local-suppliers/

The joint venture will host the consultation on-line from today, Monday, at parksideconsultation.com for 11 days, closing on July 18.