A public consultation is launched into plans to build 8.2m sq ft of logistics space at a new intermodal park in Liverpool city region that could employ up to 6,000 people. Tony McDonough reports

Developer Tritax Big Box has unveiled plans to build a giant logistics park and rail freight interchange at a Liverpool city region site that could deliver up to 6,000 jobs.

A non-statutory public consultation has started on what will be called Intermodal Logistics Park North (ILP North) at Newton-le-Willows that will connect the city region to local, regional, national and global logistics markets.

Tritax, which is also behind the 1m sq ft Symmetry Park logistics development at the former Cronton Colliery in Knowsley, says ILP North will comprise up to 8.2m sq ft of warehousing and ancillary buildings with a total footprint of 6.3m sq ft.

This project, which will be part of Liverpool City Region Freeport, has the potential to provide employment for up to 6,000 people and add £175m in GVA to the North West economy. It would also include a new strategic rail freight interchange.

Due to its scale it is designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project which means planning consent will be granted directly by the Government rather than by the local authority.

David Travis at Tritax Big Box Developments said: “Our informal non-statutory consultation is a key milestone as we set out our early plans for ILP North in the Newton-le-Willows area.

“It has been a long-held ambition of St Helens Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to bring such a development forward and we are delighted to be bringing their long-standing vision to fruition.

READ MORE: Developers unveil plans for 250,000 sq ft of space

“The development of an SRFI at this location is an integral part of Liverpool City Region’s Freeport and is aligned with the UK Government’s target to increase rail freight by at least 75% by 2050, with potential to deliver a scheme of local, regional and national importance.”

A first round of consultation will run from Monday, January 27, to Friday, March 21. Residents are encouraged to find out more by attending one of the following events:

• Monday, February 10 at Crownway Community Centre, 2pm to 7pm.
• Thursday, February 13 at Golborne Parkside Sports & Community Club, 2pm to 7pm.
• Friday, February 28, at Winwick Leisure Centre, 2pm to 7pm.
• Saturday, March 1, at Newchurch Parish Hall, 10am to 2pm.
• Wednesday, March 5 – online webinar 6.30pm to 8pm.

Detailed information about the proposals, and how to provide feedback can be found by clicking here. The project team can also be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01744 802043.

Feedback on the proposals during this round of informal consultation will be accepted until 11:59pm on Friday, March 21. The project will then be refined before it is presented for further consultation during the statutory consultation phase at the end of 2025.

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “This development could be a game-changer for the Newton-le-Willows area. This is exactly the kind of investment we need to strengthen our position as a vital hub for trade and logistics.

“I’m particularly excited about the prospect of creating thousands of good, sustainable jobs. With its strategic location and the support of the Liverpool City Region Freeport, this project will help drive economic growth.”

The post Giant logistics hub could create up to 6,000 jobs appeared first on Liverpool Business News.