en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 24th, Contractor JF Hunt has commenced a £15 million construction programme to pave the way for the first phase of the 800,000 sq ft Parkside development in Newton-le-Willows. Appointed by Parkside Regeneration (a joint venture between St Helens Borough Council and Langtree) through a competitive tender process, JF Hunt's work includes site clearance, earthworks, highway works, drainage, service distribution, and landscaping.

The construction project places a strong emphasis on boosting the local economy. Malcolm Jackson, Managing Director of Langtree, stated: "We were impressed by JF Hunt's commitment to social value principles, which has been a key focus for us." The company anticipates that 25% of its external expenditure will be directed to local contractors. Councillor Kate Groucutt, Deputy Leader of St Helens Borough Council, said: "It is really exciting to see the construction start on the first phase of Parkside. The development of Parkside within the Liverpool City Region Freeport will bring long-term benefits to our local economy and create thousands of new jobs and opportunities for residents."

Following the completion of this construction programme, work will begin on three already-approved logistics units. The project is funded with support from a loan provided by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Planning permission for the second phase of the Parkside project, comprising 1.6 million sq ft and including manufacturing uses, was granted in February. A £60 million link road, opened in May 2025, connects the site to Junction 22 of the M6 motorway. The advancement of this construction work marks a significant step into the substantive phase of the Parkside development.