Plans to deliver a new, residential-led development at Cowley Hill Works have been approved by St Helens Council’s planning committee.
The Cowley Hill Works is the largest brownfield allocation within the emerging St Helens Borough Council local development plan. The approved application will see the delivery of up to up to 1,100 new homes, a hotel and commercial space off College Street, north of the town centre. The development will sit on 104 acres of the former Cowley Hill Works, operated by NSG Group, adjacent to the firm’s glass coating facility which will continue to operate.
The proposals have been brought forward by BXB Cowley Hill Ltd, a joint venture between Promenade Estates and brownfield land specialist BXB Ltd.
Daniel Hynd, managing director of Promenade Estates, welcomed the approval:
“Returning brownfield land to productive use is the most sustainable form of development and I’m pleased that we can make such a major contribution to St Helens’ housing and economic development priorities. Our focus now will turn to delivery and working with other partners to bring life and vitality back to the site.”
The redevelopment of the site is expected to bring several significant economic benefits to St Helens, including an estimated capital expenditure of £200m. A further £15m is expected to be spent on goods and services each year by the new residents, whilst £1.5m is expected to be generated annually from the council tax receipts once all the homes are occupied. The development is expected to take up to 12 years to complete, creating approximately 360 full time equivalent jobs each year during the construction phase.
