ST Helens Council has secured £24 million to fund a link road to boost a major employment site in Newton-le-Willows.

The Parkside Link Road project connects the A49 in Newton-le-Willows directly with the M6 at Junction 22, which will act as a by-pass to divert traffic away from Newton-le-Willows, Winwick and Hermitage Green.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority approved the grant, which will come from its Single Investment Fund (SIF), during its meeting this afternoon.

The project is part of the wider plans to regenerate the former Parkside Colliery site, which is subject to planning approval.

St Helens Star:

Mark Bousfield, director of commercial development and investment for the combined authority, said the project was of “city regional, North Western and Northern significance”.

He said the investment represents “very good value for money”, adding that the site had a £101 million net present value (NPV).

Mr Bousfield said the site could create up to 6,000 jobs.

St Helens Council leader Derek Long spoke to members after the decision was approved.

Cllr Long said: “Parkside Colliery stopped production in 1993 so we’re 26 years down the track and we’re working through this gradually.

“And it shows the importance of having a strategic city region authority to facilitate some of this development.”

The total cost of the scheme is expected to cost around £40 million.

Cllr Long said the project, which is subject to planning approval, is a “co-funded development”.

He said the Parkside Link Road project is part of a “much wider vision” for the area, a vison that is going to put “this part of St Helens borough and economy on a 21st century footing”.

The Parkside site is one of six locations shortlisted by Talgo to host its first UK base, which could deliver more than 1,000 jobs.

Cllr Long said: “This is a profound contribution to the economy of St Helens borough, Newton-le-Willows and of course the city region.”

Members agreed to grant the money to St Helens Council, on the condition that the formal appraisal requirements are completed.