Langtree Group plc and national regeneration agency English Partnerships are working together to deliver a prestigious business park on one of St Helens’ most prominent sites at Lea Green Farm West. The site, now known as Mere Grange, will host a high quality office business park extending to 320,000 sq ft. An outline planning consent for the development was received in November last year and a detailed planning application for the first phase of development was submitted in January 2007.
The scheme will be developed over five phases following the completion of extensive infrastructure, public realm and landscaping works.
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and National Coalfields Programme (NCP) are providing funding of £3.5 million towards the infrastructure works, following which the first phase development will start. Phase 1 features 10 modern self-contained small office units ranging between 296 sq m (3,200 sq ft) to 753 sq m (8,100 sq ft) in size.
Once completed, Mere Grange will be the largest office development in St Helens and, as such, offers a strategic opportunity to grow and diversify the local economy. The site is expected to attract new employment opportunities and encourage further growth and investment from new and local businesses.
Construction is planned to start on site in summer 2007 with completion of the first phase in autumn 2008.
Stephen Barnes, North West Regional Director at Langtree says of Mere Grange: “Mere Grange will ensure that St Helens competes in attracting businesses to the Borough by offering first rate accommodation within a high quality environment. Langtree has developed a vision for Mere Grange that is both exciting and deliverable and we are eager to commence works as soon as possible”.
Eliot Lewis-Ward, Area Director, from English Partnerships says: “English Partnerships is pleased to be supporting and investing in this project which will be a major asset for St. Helens”.
Councillor Neil Taylor, Executive Member for Urban Regeneration at St. Helens Council says: “These proposals add to St. Helens’ growing reputation as being a destination of choice for major investment opportunities. Such a prestigious development will offer more employment and investment in the Borough.”
Paul Lakin, NWDA Head of Development, says: “A high quality business park will provide the right conditions for economic growth, significantly improving St Helens ability to attract businesses to the region. The NWDA is pleased to support this project, through the National Coalfields Programme, which aims to regenerate former coalfield communities.”
King Sturge is Letting Agent for the Mere Grange scheme.
