06 August 2008
£4.9 million land remediation grant announced to kick-start
rugby stadium development
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is pleased to
announce that a £4.9 million investment has been approved for site
remediation works around the development of a new stadium for St
Helens Rugby League Football Club (RLFC).
The stadium project is being led and delivered by developers
Langtree in partnership with St. Helens RLFC and St Helens Council.
It aims to create a new 18,000 capacity stadium for the St Helens
Rugby League team, capable of hosting rugby league of regional,
national and international significance. It will also play host to
other major events and conferences.
The NWDA’s grant is specifically being allocated for the
remediation and site preparation of the former United Glass site in
St Helens. The project also includes a package of infrastructure
works including off site road works, landscaping and public realm
works.
The Agency’s funding will spearhead the reclamation of 11.5
hectares of brownfield land and is expected to lever in over £57
million from the private sector.
Following the completion of the site remediation and preparation
works, the site development will involve the construction of the
new stadium and a 13,025 sq m supermarket. A new access road will
be constructed off the A570 which will run through the centre of
the site and a new pedestrian plaza within the site will also be
created.
Peter White, NWDA Executive Director of Infrastructure,
said:
“The Agency’s investment will take forward vital site
preparation works to enable the Destination St Helens project to
get off the ground, which will provide an important boost to the
local economy.
The new stadium will provide a state of the art facility for St
Helens RLFC as well as creating a venue capable of hosting major
events, and so will play an important part in bringing significant
tourism and business investment into St Helens.”
John Downes, Managing Director of Langtree, said:
“Today’s announcement is a major step forward in the life of
this project. Public sector funding will help to prepare the site
for development, ultimately paving the way for one of the biggest
regeneration projects to be witnessed by St Helens in recent
years.”
Councillor Brian Spencer, Leader of St. Helens Council said:
“This is marvellous news as this funding is another key element
in the progress of the new stadium. The stadium and
associated developments including additional retail offer in the
town will bring massive benefits, not just to our borough but to
the region in general bringing investment and jobs. The
Council is proud to be a key player in this exciting development
and look forward to working with all the partners involved.”
Ends
Note to editors:
Construction of the stadium itself will be funded by Langtree.
The NWDA’s investment is for site remediation works and will not be
used to directly fund the stadium’s construction.
For further information please contact Sarah Moston, Press
Officer on 01925 400552 or 07810 528 471 or Sarah.Moston@nwda.co.uk
For further information and to view all press releases visit us
at www.nwda.co.uk/press
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the
economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is
responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging
investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life