THE operator of a much-delayed leisure development in St Helens has issued its latest statement in which it says work is progressing on the town centre venue.

In February 2022, St Helens Council announced that it had struck a £1m deal with Steel Life Group Ltd to construct and operate a box-park style leisure development in St Helens.

The development, to be called 'The Foundry', plans to utilise shipping containers to provide a mix of food, drink, and leisure offers on land off Chalon Way, where a multi-storey car park was flattened.

Similar venues have been successes around the country and when the deal was agreed two years ago it was hoped St Helens would mirror this.

But there has been a series of delays in getting the Foundry up and running, leading to growing scepticism from residents and town centre businesses about the canal-side development.

The Star has frequently asked for updates on the project over the past two years, aware that there has been growing frustration among figures at the town hall over the delays.

Steel Life insist that the project is now "moving towards the final stages of construction", however, there is still no confirmed opening date being made public, underlining the vagueness that has dogged the project over the past two years.

With the calendar turning to August next week, it would seem unlikely the venue will be up and running during the summer months.

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The first containers arrived on the site late last yearThe first containers arrived on the site late last year (Image: St Helens Star)
With the goalposts for completion moving numerous times, residents noticed the first containers had arrived at the 'Foundry' site in November 2023.

However, it wasn't until May of this year that further containers and visible progress could be seen.

Developers have previously blamed the "unavoidable delays" on "ground conditions and utility connections", and say that only the final drainage works, utility connections, glazing installation, and internal fitting are left to complete.

Progress had been noticed earlier this yearProgress had been noticed earlier this year (Image: St Helens Star)
With phase one of the plans containing 20 upcycled containers, the company claims an "exciting mix" of businesses are said to have expressed interest in the development.

It is understood that there are still opportunities to rent space at the location, with phase two of the plans also "primed for construction".

Aiming to provide a diverse offer and a "vibrant events calendar" throughout the year, the developers believe that the Foundry will complement the incoming multi-million-pound regeneration plans in St Helens, and will be "the place to be seen".

Developers say that they are reaching the final stages of constructionDevelopers say that they are reaching the final stages of construction (Image: St Helens Star)
In a statement, Chris Lewis The Foundry lead Director, said: "We have always known that St Helens needs to see physical visible evidence of progress towards the opening of the Foundry. The containers on site will see further conversion works to achieve that aim.

"The response from the local business community is beyond our expectations. We are now engaged with interested parties and accelerating the balance of work required to get a launch date confirmed.

"Interest has been expressed from an exciting mix of enterprise, food and beverage outlets, a news agency and a dance school with niche retailers to name but a few."

More information about the Foundry can be found here and interested businesses can also email chris@steellifegroup.com