AN OUTDOOR leisure space planned to open at the site of a former town centre car park has shown little signs of progress almost two years after the plans were first proposed.

In October 2021, St Helens Council announced that it was looking for a 'box park' contractor to create the type of multi-use attraction that has proved popular in neighbouring cities and towns.

A £1 million deal to construct the attraction was agreed with Steel Life Group Ltd in February 2022, which gave details of how 51 shipping containers would be installed to create a multi-use venue, that could be used as an eating and drinking space, a retail hub, and an outdoor cinema.

The attraction, which is set to be called the Foundry, was granted planning permission for up to seven years in July of last year.

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St Helens Star: Proposals for the former Chalon Way car park were put forward in 2021Proposals for the former Chalon Way car park were put forward in 2021 (Image: St Helens Council)

With the box park planned to complement long-term regeneration plans in the town centre, initial proposals claimed that the box park would be completed by summer and then autumn of 2022.

However, delays caused by "ground conditions and utility connections" have meant that construction is yet to start as we enter August 2023.

In a previous statement to the Star, Chris Lewis, property developer at Steel Life, said that the contractors are "fully committed to the project" and "excited to deliver a vibrant and active zone to complement St Helens town centre".

However, Steel Life remained tight-lipped about a specific timeline for 'The Foundry' and St Helens Council did not comment on a proposed completion date following recent questioning.

St Helens Star: The attraction is intended as a multi-use outdoor spaceThe attraction is intended as a multi-use outdoor space (Image: St Helens Council)

It is understood that further site surveys have been completed by Steel Life, who are well known for delivering container-style venues across the country.

Private sector funds are also said to have supported the project, while more than a dozen businesses have held discussions with the council about future usage of the space.

A council spokesperson said: "St Helens Council are continuing dialogue with Steel Life, the company looking to bring The Foundry container park to St Helens, on their delivery programme, which has been impacted by ongoing site investigations. 

"Further updates will be provided in due course."