PLANS for a £10m upgrade to a motorway junction as part of plans for the proposed Haydock Point logistics development have been announced.

Developers claim the plans would reduce waiting times and improving safety for businesses and residents and underpin economic growth.

In 2017, Peel L&P working with logistics developer PLP, submitted a planning application to St Helens Council for a new manufacturing and logistics development on agricultural land at Haydock Point, beside Junction 23.

The proposed site is close to Haydock Industrial Estate and Haydock Park Racecourse.

Located where the M6 meets the A580 East Lancashire Road and the A49 Lodge Lane, the junction is known for being a congestion hotspot at peak times and has been subject of safety campaigns by residents.

Peel L&P said improvements to the junction would be a key part of its Haydock Point proposals and the company has been working with the council and local partners.

But there is opposition to further development in the Haydock area, particularly following the development on the Florida Farm site off the East Lancs, which created a storm of anger among opponents.

When a consultation took place after Peel's initial plans were submitted several years ago, negative comments focused mainly on how the road system would cope with the extra traffic, the development’s layout and the need to use green belt land.

St Helens Star:

Haydock Point masterplan

Peel say that as part of the Haydock Point development, the northern arm of the A49 Lodge Lane would be re-routed through the Haydock Point site to a new junction on the A580 East Lancashire Road.

The development would also contribute to improvements to Junction 23 itself, with Peel saying that,  in total, the proposals would deliver £10m of privately funded investment into the highways network.

Peel says these changes will reduce journey times by improving the flow of traffic; improve safety by updating signalling, signage and priority use of the junction and underpin economic growth by supporting key sectors, keeping lorries moving smoothly and creating new jobs and investment for decades to come.

Peel says the improvements have been designed to fit into and support the delivery of a wider package of works identified by St Helens Council, working with Highways England and Wigan Council.

In a statement Richard Knight, director of land and communities at Peel L&P said: “Our proposals for new manufacturing and logistics at Haydock Point are an opportunity to deliver £10 million of private investment into vital improvements at Junction 23.

"We understand that equipping the junction to handle traffic more efficiently and safely is essential for the future prosperity and wellbeing of this area. The improvements will also facilitate a major economic investment in St Helens.”

Neil Dickinson, chief investment officer of PLP, added: “Demand for new logistics buildings in the region is extremely strong and Haydock Point is ideally located to satisfy these requirements.

"PLP will deliver this scheme quickly, including a vastly improved layout to Junction 23, delivering significant benefits to local people and local businesses.

"Haydock Point will become the best logistics employment park in the North West.”

Additional information about the improvements has now been submitted to the council.

The developer says people and businesses wishing to view and comment on the additional information can contact the council directly.

More information about the project can be found online at haydockpoint.co.uk