Construction begins at Parkside

Article date: 23 March 2026

The enabling works programme includes the design, construction, validation, completion and defect rectification of site clearance works, earthworks cut and fill to form platforms at the required formation levels, as well as highways, drainage, service distribution and landscaping works.   

The appointment by Parkside Regeneration, the joint venture between St Helens Borough Council and Langtree, follows a competitive tender in which J F Hunt scored 'particularly highly' on a range of social value metrics, including use of local labour and sub-contractors.

"We were very impressed with J F Hunt's commitment to the principles of social value, which have always been a key focal point for us," said Malcolm Jackson, managing director of Langtree.

Among the commitments are a range of school and college workshops, work placements and youth apprenticeships, and a commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent of workers being recruited from specified local postcodes.

In addition, businesses that attended a 'meet the buyer' event at the Brewdog Stadium in October 2025, and who can demonstrate compliance with the contractor's Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) standards, will be invited to tender for relevant work packages.  The company says it expects up to 25 per cent of its external spend will be with local contractors.

Councillor Kate Groucutt, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business & Inclusive Growth at St Helens Borough Council said:  "It is really exciting to see works getting underway on the first phase development at Parkside. Development of the Liverpool City Region Freeport site at Parkside will create long term benefits for our local economy and will bring thousands of new jobs and new opportunities for our residents. As a Council, and as a partner in the Parkside Regeneration Joint Venture, we are committed to ensuring that the residents and businesses of Newton-le-Willows, St Helens Borough and the wider region are benefitting from access to new opportunities, not just upon completion but throughout the development process and J F Hunt's commitment to social value aligns directly with the aims of our Inclusive Growth Strategy."

David Baines MP, Member of Parliament for St Helens North said: "The Parkside development presents a significant opportunity not only for Newton-le-Willows and the St Helens Borough but the whole of the north west region. It is fantastic to see works getting underway on this huge opportunity for local economic growth that will bring new investment and jobs to the area."

John Downes, executive chair of Langtree, says the start on site marks a step-change in the project.

"We're at the business end of things now.  This is where we deliver on our commitment to the community that we'll bring high quality jobs to the area and create real opportunities for local people.

"It's the culmination of many years' hard work and great credit is due to everyone involved.  We've kept the local community abreast of what we're doing throughout, and will continue to do so," he added.

Following completion of the enabling works programme construction of the three consented logistics units will commence following a competitive tender process to appoint a main works contractor.   The funding package for the enabling works contracts includes loan support to Parkside Regeneration LLP from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

St Helens Borough Council's planning committee resolved to grant planning permission in February for the 1.6m square foot second phase of the project, which includes consent for manufacturing uses.  A new £60m link road, joining the site to Junction 22 of the M6 motorway, was opened in May 2025.

Parkside Colliery produced almost a million tonnes of coal a year at its peak, employing approximately 2,000 staff.  By the time of its closure in 1993, around 800 staff were employed.  Employment forecasts for phase one of Parkside anticipate the creation of as many as 1,300 gross operational jobs.