Property developers, Ion, unveil plans for high-quality regeneration scheme which will bring new employment and housing to Knowsley.

Leading Liverpool property developer, Ion (formally Neptune Developments), is collaborating with the Knowsley Estate on a development that will bring new jobs and homes to North Huyton. The development site is located close to Junction 2 of the M57 directly south of the Knowsley and will be known as Earlsfield Park. A draft masterplan for the scheme has been prepared will be unveiled at a public consultation event on Wednesday, 3^rd May.

The 23-hectare Knowsley Lane site, which sits directly parallel to the M57 along the southern borders of the Knowsley Estate site has been earmarked as perfect for a 16-hectare prestigious employment park and a housing development of approximately 150 new homes. The employment park is set to build on the success of nearby Kings Business Park by complementing its offering –  while the sustainable and high quality family housing will broaden the district’s appeal to families looking to relocate.

The ambitious development is proposed to sit adjacent to the existing Lord Derby Playing Fields and Oak Plantation – areas which will be preserved and improved by Ion to offer an essential recreation space to the residents and workers nearby.

The employment park is to be pitched as a ground breaking ‘hybrid’ model where the demand for manufacturing, research and development facilities and sub-regional logistics business space can be fulfilled alongside more traditional office and workshop spaces. High quality landscaping on this semi-rural site, alongside a good leisure, retail and food offering will propound an already attractive offering and is set to entice businesses to the Huyton area.

The development plan has been devised in collaboration with Knowsley Council, determined by the council’s ambitious growth plans and the need to ensure the scheme meets local need. A drop-in event, to be held on Wednesday, 3^rd May, 3.30pm to 8pm at Knowsley Lane Primary School will give the public the opportunity to see the masterplan that Ion has developed for the site and give feedback to the developer’s team. Knowsley Council will also be present at the event consulting on

Ion (previously Neptune Developments) is an expert at regeneration and have been instrumental in various transformational regeneration schemes around the city including Liverpool Science Park, Mann Island and the Speke Airport Hangers and Terminal Buildings.

Steve Parry, managing director of Ion, commented: ‘Knowsley Council have an ambitious strategy for very positive change – and Ion, along with the Knowsley Estate are committed to bringing the very best in high-quality development to the area. The site lends itself beautifully to a mixed-use development through the semi-rural location. An added focus on landscaping and creating an improved recreational area will make Earlsfield Park an excellent choice for both living and working. The access to the M57 makes it an attractive prospect for businesses relocating and the proximity to the beautiful Knowsley Estate will lend itself well to family life.’

John Flaherty, Executive Director (Place) at Knowsley Council said: ‘Development at Earlsfield Park will make a significant contribution towards achieving Knowsley’s ambitious growth plans for jobs, housing and business.

The employment uses on the site will contribute to the economic growth of Knowsley and the city region and the delivery of high quality family homes will broaden the housing appeal of the area. Knowsley Council looks forward to working in partnership with Ion to agree their masterplan and bring this exciting opportunity to market.’

To view the latest master plan please CLICK HERE.