Containers arrive on Foundry site as developers give new delayed date

In what has been a long-anticipated and much-delayed project, it looks like the wheels could finally in motion for the construction of a multi-use outdoor venue in the town centre.

After what they describe as "unavoidable delays", the developers say that they have "not stopped working on delivering this exciting development", and three containers are now on site ready to be converted for food, drink or retail purposes.

Nevertheless, there will be no opening date soon.

Following the delivery and conversion of more containers, and further groundworks, the developers say that the 'Foundry' box park should be launched in spring 2024.

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The Foundry is planned to be a multi-use outdoor space (Image: Steel Life Group)
While box park projects - used to house food, drink, and retail traders - have been popular in neighbouring cities and towns, there has been understandable frustration about the lengthy delays here in St Helens.

St Helens Council announced back in October 2021 that it was tendering for a box park operator to add to its regeneration plans, with a £1million deal struck with Steel Life Group Ltd in February 2022.

Since this time, there have been numerous delays to the initial completion dates, which has been blamed on "ground conditions and utility connections", while one potential trader sold her stock due to the delays.

The project is now planned to launch in Spring 2024 (Image: Steel Life Ltd)
Despite the delays and criticism, Steel Life said that the delivery of the initial containers is a "signal to let St Helens know this exciting scheme will be delivered".

Local agencies are also being used, developers say, to attract local businesses and ensure that the project fits in with the character of the town.

With the 51 container box park to house a variety food and drink outlets, it is also planned to attract "outdoor entertainment" as part of a two-phase project that will be a "place to be seen".

The Chalon Way car park was demolished in 2021 (Image: St Helens Council)
In a statement, Chris Lewis, director of Steel Life, said: "Despite unavoidable delays to our original launch date we have not stopped working on delivering this exciting development.

"This week sees the initial delivery of three containers that will be subject to on-site bespoke conversion works, with more deliveries scheduled once the necessary groundworks are completed.”

"My project management team is finalising contracts with our groundworks and engineering teams to prepare the site for the launch of Phase One in Spring 2024.

"This initial delivery of these containers is a signal to let St Helens know this exciting scheme will be delivered.”