Steel Life Group give update on The Foundry box park in St Helens

Planning permission was granted last year for a ‘boxpark’-styled attraction at the location, to be called The Foundry.

What is The Foundry?

It was said a £1m investment will see 51 containers and outdoor cinema screens installed to create a mixed-use leisure hub, which will be known as ‘The Foundry’.

St Helens Council said the hub will include a stage and outside seating areas to provide business start-up, retail, and leisure units for independent businesses.

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The project will be delivered by Steel Life Group Ltd, who the local authority says have a track record, having overseen several other council-led container hubs around the UK.

Project hit by delays   

The venue had been initially expected to be up and running during 2022 but the project has been hit by delays “due to ground conditions and utility connections”, Steel Life said.

They said that further ground investigations had to be undertaken to ensure the suitability of foundation designs for the containers.

It is understood site surveys have now been completed.

What will be at the 'Boxpark'?

A CGI of how The Foundry may look (Image: St Helens Council)

Giving an update on the scheme, Steel Life added they are “delivering a new space for food, creative workspace, art and culture in St Helens”.

The concept, based on upcycled shipping containers, will be assembled at the former Robert Daglish & Company iron works foundry site.

Streel Life said that local businesses have come forward in support, and that “substantial private sector funds” have been committed to the project.

They said that businesses, bars, food outlets, events teams and creatives are already signed up and that inquiries are still being received for tenancies on containers.

The Star understands Steel Life have had negotiations and discussions with more than 15 businesses so far.

Businesses which could be involved include a café in a double unit, a restaurant in a double, a bar operator in a triple unit, in addition to reiki and other retail and an outdoor screen operator.

The company added that “lots of amazing business ideas have been shared by St Helens entrepreneurs” and said they are “very pleased” with the response so far.

'We look forward to The Foundry really coming to life'

‘We’re looking forward to seeing The Foundry really coming to life now,” said Chris Lewis, property developer at Steel Life.

“There have been some delays on delivery for the start on site due to ground conditions and utility connections, but we’re fully committed to the project and we’re excited to deliver a vibrant and active zone to complement St Helens town centre.”

When asked about when The Foundry’s opening will be, Steel Life said a specific timeline has not yet been confirmed due to the recent ground investigations.