PLANS are in hand to spruce-up the overgrown gateway to the former Parkside Colliery.

The Winwick Road entrance is earmarked for a makeover by the new company that is promoting the proposed redevelopment of the 232-acre site.

The Parkside Regeneration LLP - a joint venture between St Helens Council and developers Langtree – is chaired by St Helens Council leader Cllr Barrie Grunewald.

The company will be responsible for transforming the disused colliery site into a new employment park with the potential to create thousands of jobs on land that is in a prime position close to the M6 and M62 motorways and West Coast rail line.

Parkside Regeneration says work will start soon on a masterplan for the site. Traffic engineers have already been commissioned to look at highway implications and will report back to the PR Board.

Councillor Grunewald said: “The Parkside Regeneration Board is up and running - and we’re keen to make things happen as quickly as possible. We aim to produce a full business plan by June but there will be plenty of activity between now and then.

“Everyone involved with the project is totally committed to its success – and ensuring that it delivers as many jobs as possible for the people of St Helens. This site is one of our most vital assets - and I cannot overstate its importance to the borough as a catalyst for kick-starting the local economy.”

Chief Executive of Langtree John Downes added: “The regeneration of the Parkside site is now well and truly underway - and we’re delighted to be involved with this prestigious project.”