St Helens Borough Council has announced that full planning permission has been secured for an employment development at the St Helens Manufacturing and Innovation Campus.
Project Halo will be a life sciences and advanced manufacturing development that will deliver 85,000ft² of high spec workspace across four cutting edge ‘Tech Box’ units.
Designed to attract R&D-led occupiers, modern manufacturers, and science-based businesses, the units will offer adaptable layouts to accommodate bespoke office, laboratory, and light production requirements.
The site will have use classes B2 (advanced manufacturing), B8 (storage/distribution), and E(g) (research & development, professional services, and ancillary offices).
Led by St Helens Borough Council and delivered by Network Space, the scheme is set across a five-acre brownfield site off Roby Way, adjacent to the award-winning Glass Futures Centre of Excellence and SINA Medical.
The scheme forms a key part of the Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Investment Zone, supporting the region’s ambition to create high-value jobs, unlock innovation, and attract inward investment.
Future occupiers will benefit from a range of fiscal incentives, including:
- Full Stamp Duty Land Tax relief on land and buildings purchased for commercial use
- 100% business rates relief for five years on newly occupied premises for qualifying businesses in the Life Science sector
- Enhanced Capital Allowances (100% first-year allowance for qualifying plant and machinery)
- Structures and Buildings Allowance with accelerated relief of 10% per year
- Employer National Insurance Contributions Relief for employees spending at least 60% of their time in the Zone (relating to salaries up to £25,000 per year, worth £3,000 per year for up to 3 years)
Project Halo is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ accreditation and will include all-electric air source heat pumps and photovoltaic roof panels to minimise operational energy.
It will also have electric vehicle charging infrastructure and secure cycle parking, all within a landscaped, campus-style environment to promote wellbeing and collaboration.
St Helens Borough Council cabinet member for regeneration, Richard McCauley, said: “It is fantastic to see planning permission granted for project HALO.
“As a borough we are positioning ourselves as a growing hub for the life sciences sector and this marks another key milestone in the provision of world class facilities for innovative businesses.
“Ambitious developments such as this offer real opportunities for the residents of our borough bringing high value jobs and apprenticeships right in the heart of St Helens.
“It is a clear sign of our commitment to delivering sustainable growth for our communities now and for generations to come.”
