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Search the Public Notice PortalA MASTERPLAN that will aim to guide the transformation of a former Pilkington works has been approved by councillors.
As previously reported by the Star, the Watson Street Works, a large brownfield area on the edge of the town centre, has been identified as a strategic development site.
Mixed-use development
The masterplan proposes a "vibrant mixed-use development" comprising about 764 new homes and 150,000 square feet of commercial development, as well as retail and leisure areas.
There would also be extensive public realm and high-quality structured landscaping, says the local authority.
The council adds that there would be "the retention and utilisation of some key non-designated heritage assets".
The plan has been drawn up after Pilkington UK invested in transferring all production and jobs from Watson Street to the adjacent Greengate Works site.
The company is due to vacate the site - which has been used as a location for a number of TV and film productions - including Peaky Blinders - in recent years, in April 2025.
According to the local authority, this provided "a strategically important windfall opportunity to redevelop the site for the continued positive benefit of the borough.
The large development - which would need significant land remediation works due to the industrial heritage of the site - would aim to complement the St Helens town centre regeneration initiatives.
It would also appear that this is very much a vision at this stage.
Such a huge project would require a developer to purchase the land and investors to commit funds for the area's transformation.
Regeneration opportunity
In a statement, Lisa Harris, executive director for Place Services at St Helens Borough Council, said: “The masterplan will help bring the site of the former Watson Street Works back to life, continuing nearly 200 years of pioneering activity by providing exciting new regeneration opportunities for developers whilst preserving historic features on the site.
“This is extensive prime brownfield land close to St Helens town centre and will add another dimension to the development offer we have in the area as part of the St Helens Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Campus, which is already home to Glass Futures, SINA Medical Glass and Inovus Medical.
"The site is also an integral component of the Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Investment Zone, being one of its three designated tax sites, offering financial benefits to businesses relocating and expanding in the area."
Councillors have approved the masterplan and continue to engage with Pilkington UK and strategic partners - including Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority - to help turn the masterplan into reality.
