The success of this project is entirely dependent upon all aspects of the scheme being delivered.

In summary, these developments are:

• The transformation of the derelict former United Glass site to create a new 18,000-capacity stadium for St Helens Rugby League Club, a 140,000 sq ft Tesco Extra, as well as associated public realm and infrastructure improvements which will go hand-in-hand with the development


• The redevelopment of the existing town centre Tesco store in Chalon Way into alternative high quality retail use, significantly enhancing and extending the town ’s retail offer


• The development of the existing St Helens Rugby League Club site at Knowsley Road to create high quality family housing, which will enhance the existing community.

Together, these developments will create thousands of new jobs and pump millions of pounds into the local economy, strengthening the borough ’s economic base.

They will also deliver increased civic pride, enhanced social inclusion and improved brand image for the town.

The three cornerstones of the scheme are inextricably linked. If any single element were to fail, the entire project would collapse.

'Without the development of a retail store on the former United Glass site it would not be financially viable to construct the proposed new stadium.

This is because the retail store would act as an enabling component, facilitating the development of the stadium and associated infrastructure and public realm works.

Furthermore, the relocation of Tesco from its existing site is required for the proposed retail development to proceed at Chalon Way in the town centre.

Over and above the benefits delivered by the development of a derelict industrial site, the redevelopment of a prime town centre retail opportunity would generate significant additional economic benefits and is essential in justifying the provision of public sector support and funds necessary to redevelop the former United Glass site.

The development of the existing stadium site at Knowsley Road is also essential to help fund the stadium development.

It is essential, therefore, that each of the separate elements of the proposal be regarded as inextricably linked.

Each of the parts is vital to achieve the whole. And each of the parts is vital to achieve the significant economic benefits that would flow from the overall proposal and which would justify the expenditure of public funds.

This plan will deliver a positive economic impact on a scale that St Helens has never seen before.

The proposals in detail

Former United Glass site

This site, which has lain largely derelict since 1999, will comprise the new St Helens Rugby League Club stadium, a new Tesco Extra, a plaza and the retained ancient monument.

The stadium would be located within the northeastern corner of the site and would include extensive facilities for match days and corporate events as well as a club store, refreshment areas and corporate facilities. Pedestrians would access the stadium from the proposed plaza.

The proposed retail store would have a gross floor space of 140,000 sq ft (net floor space of circa 100,000 sq ft). The development proposal locates the retail store perpendicular to the stadium with its frontage facing towards St Helens Linkway and the historic former Cannington Shaw Bottleshop, which dates from 1886 and is a scheduled ancient monument.

The retail store, car parking and stadium would be located as such to allow the retention of the scheduled ancient monument and its associated Victorian tunnels below.

The proposed development retains this historic building, secures it and improves its setting. The area will be fenced off appropriately and made safe. In addition, the proposed development utilises this structure as a focal point within the site with an improved setting provided through landscaping.

The development proposal creates a new pedestrian plaza within the site, making best use of quality surfacing, landscaping and lighting. Pedestrian links to the Plaza would be created from St Helens Linkway and from Peasley Cross Lane. The main pedestrian linkage however would be created to the north towards the town centre.

Vehicle access to the site would be via a new roundabout and road from St Helens Linkway and almost 1,000 car parking spaces will be provided for staff and visitors at the Tesco Extra.

As the site is only 300 metres from the town centre and only 300 metres from the rail station, it is envisaged that many match-goers would approach the stadium on foot, making best use of either public transport or the town centre multi-storey car parks.

The site is also excellently served by road links, and is only 10 minutes drive from the M62.

Chalon Way

The new retail store at the former United Glass site will replace the existing Tesco food store that operates at Chalon Way.

Tesco is proposing to develop the Chalon Way site as a comparison retail extension to the town centre that would significantly strengthen the town’s retail offer.

The proposals would in effect extend the line of Market Street across Chalon Way.

In addition to the retail floor space, it is also proposed to include the construction of a new five-storey multi storey car park, which would be located next to the scheme’s anchor department store.

These developments could play a significant role in the revitalisation of the town centre and provide the opportunity for new national retailers, including a department store, to come into the town.

People could then meet all their retail needs in St Helens, rather than having to go to Warrington or Wigan.

The scheme would bring significant employment and regeneration benefits and help the town centre to reclaim some of the retail spend which is currently leaking out of the borough to rival retail areas.

Knowsley Road

The existing St Helens Rugby League ground at Knowsley Road would be redeveloped for residential use.

The site would accommodate approximately 190 units, which would be a mix of dwelling types, plus amenities and open space.

Developer Taylor Wimpey plc would engage in significant public consultation with the local community to ensure the proposals enhance the local area.