Mixed-use scheme including 1,100 homes in St Helens given the green light

This major St Helens scheme is being designed by Brock Carmichael, a Liverpool headquartered practice with over 45 years’ experience in architecture.

Cowley Hill will deliver 1,100 homes on the site of the former Pilkington Glass Works in St Helens, the plot is the largest brownfield allocation within St Helens. Within the proposals existing buildings on the site are to be demolished, making way for the delivery of 1,100 homes over four phases. Phase 1 would consist of 198 homes and later phases of 328, 289, and 285 would follow.

The proposals also include 43,000 ft² of flexible commercial space, which includes a 100-bed hotel and other potential uses include retail units, bars and restaurants, and offices.

The developer, a joint venture between land development company BXB and Promenade Estates, lodged plans to redevelop the 104-acre site last year. Nexus Planning is the planning consultant on the project and Brock Carmichael are the architects designing the scheme.

Amongst the 1,100 homes there will be a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom detached, semi and town houses, with 2 or 3 storey apartments for sale and rent at key gateway locations within the development. The site also allows for a high number of connected green spaces, pedestrian links and greenways to connect to Victoria Park and makes provision for areas of wildlife and water habitats.

Chris Bolland, Partner at Brock Carmichael, said:

“The scale of the scheme is set to positively impact the infrastructure of St Helens considerably, introducing 2,263 new residents to the area and creating around 64 new jobs within the retail and leisure aspects of the scheme.”

Gary Goodman, director of BXB, said:

“We are delighted the scheme has been given approval. The site will make use of what is now a disused brownfield site to deliver much needed family housing. We have had the support and encouragement of the community and local planning authorities throughout the planning process”.

He continues:

“The 10-year scheme will revitalise the site and bring further social and economic gain to the already vibrant community of St Helens”