WORK on St Helens Saints’ new stadium should get under way by the end of the year, the developer behind the scheme has revealed.

John Downes, managing director of Langtree, said that all the parties involved were now “pushing in the same direction” and positive progress was being made.

In November, the Government approved £25m plans for an 18,000 capacity stadium and a Tesco for the derelict 46-acre former United Glass site.

The current Tesco, on Chalon Way, will be redeveloped for alternative retail units and Taylor Wimpey will build “high quality” homes on the Saints’ Knowsley Road historic home.

Mr Downes, speaking at the MIPIM conference in Cannes, said: “The deal is part funded by us, St Helens Council, the North West Development Agency and the sale of the existing ground.

“The funding is signed up with the NWDA, and we are in legals to sign up with the council.

“Tesco, the club, and Taylor Wimpey are also signed up.

“The aim is to have the new stadium ready for 2011.

“Hopefully, if we start at the back end of this year, it’s going to be a good fillip for the local economy, 500 jobs, which is not insignificant.”