DEVELOPERS are facing up to final negotiations with St Helens council, after the Government approved plans for a new stadium and superstore in the town.
The Saints rugby league club could have their all-new stadium by 2011, now that it has been decided not to call in the plans.
Developers Langtree, retailer Tesco and housebuilder Taylor Wimpey were granted consent to redevelop the derelict 46-acre former United Glass site into a £25m 18,000 capacity stadium for the Saints and a multi-million pound Tesco Extra.
The town’s current Tesco outlet, on Chalon Way, will then be redeveloped into alternative retail outlets.
As part of a separate plan, Taylor Wimpey will build homes on the historic Knowsley Road which has been Saints’ home for 116 years.
Langtree last night said the stadium could be open some time in 2011.
But before any building can take place, the company still has to overcome a potentially tricky clause in the planning consent conditions protecting the ancient monument of Cannington Shaw No 7 Bottle Shop.
The onerous conditions, “could put the whole financial viability of the scheme at odds with our ability to deliver,” Langtree said in May.
But last night, John Downes, managing director of Langtree was in jubilant mood.
He said: “This is the right result and today is an important day as together these developments are set to change the face of St Helens.”
But he added: “We are conscious of the significance of the Ancient Monument and will work with St Helens Council for a solution that’s affordable and acceptable to the viability of the scheme.”
The developers will now work with the authority over the coming months to agree a conservation management plan for the Ancient Monument, and site clearance should start by mid, 2009 with target completion of the stadium in February, 2011.
Cllr Brian Spencer, leader of St Helens Council, remains entirely positive about the proposals.
He said: “This is tremendous news. The stadium and association 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.”
An elated Saints’ chairman, Eamonn McManus, added: “This is excellent news for the club and its supporters. We are now looking at an identifiable timeframe and have avoided the onerous costs of a Šcentral government call-in.
“This is another important hurdle out of the way and we look forward to the work and challenges ahead.
“In particular, I would like to thank the fans for their magnificent support for the project. The future of the club and of the town is looking very healthy indeed.”
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