THE project to demolish Parr Baths and  create a state-of-the-art sports complex is awaiting the creation of an electrical substation.

In late 2022, St Helens Council's cabinet approved pans for a feasibility study into plans to replace Parr Swimming and Fitness Centre with a multi-purpose locality hub alongside a new Saints training centre that would focus on "improving health and wellbeing outcomes" for residents.

Councillors said the state-of-the-art development would be "great" for Saints and "even more importantly" it would be "fantastic" for residents of Parr and the wider borough.

In December 2022, the Star also reported how the council’s cabinet had approved capital funding of £1.032 million for the demolition of the existing Ashcroft Street Parr baths building.

However, with more than 10 months having passed since, St Helens Council has explained why works have not yet started when asked by the Star.

A spokesman said a new substation "will need to be built on site by Scottish Power to ensure a reliable energy supply continues to reach properties in the area".

He explained Scottish Power have not yet set a date for this works and this is beyond the direct control of the council.  

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A St Helens Borough Council spokesperson said:   “In order to advance to the next stage of demolition for the former Parr Swimming and Fitness Centre, which includes an existing built-in electrical substation feeding the wider area, a new substation will need to be built on site by Scottish Power to ensure a reliable energy supply continues to reach properties in the area. Scottish Power have not yet set a date for this works and this is beyond the direct control of the council.  

“In parallel, positive activity is ongoing to assess the feasibility and design of a new Locality Hub and Rugby League Training Centre in the Parr ward that could include leisure, health, education, employment and skills offers. This activity is being supported by the English Cities Fund, as part of the borough-wide regeneration partnership with the council.

“We will ensure residents are kept updated on any significant progress at the earliest opportunity.”