First community consultation launched for emerging bold forest garden village masterplan

Article date: April 14th 2025

Following adoption of the Local Plan in July 2022  the land was allocated for the development a notional 2988 new homes.  The masterplan aims to bring forward a new sustainable residential community, consisting of approximately 3,000 homes, alongside associated community infrastructure and amenities.

The team is encouraging residents and stakeholders to have their say on the emerging masterplan proposals, which will be refined further following community feedback. A second consultation period is set to take place in Autumn 2025. It is anticipated that the final masterplan document will be submitted to the Council for approval by the end of the year.

As the largest housing allocation in the Liverpool City Region, transforming this 128-hectare site into a high-quality development will support the boroughs growing population and become a key source of housing supply over the coming years.

Community drop-in events are taking place at the following dates and times:

• Wednesday 23rd April, 1-7pm - Clock Face Miners Rec Club

• Saturday 26th April, 11-4pm - Clock Face Labour Club

Nearby residents and businesses will have the opportunity to view the proposed initial masterplan approaches and speak directly with the project team. The consultation materials are also available to view and respond to on a dedicated website: boldforestgv.co.uk

Responses must be submitted by Friday 2nd May 2025. This will ensure the project team can gather all feedback to inform and help further develop the overall masterplan before the Autumn consultation.

Nicola Rigby, Principal Director at Avison Young said: "We are looking forward to speaking to the local community about the emerging masterplan proposals. It is really important that Bold Forest Garden Village is brought forward in a way which benefits the wider area. The conversations we have and feedback we receive will directly shape the masterplan, which is a really exciting opportunity for Bold, for St Helens and the wider city region."

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet member for Inclusive Growth and Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council, said: "Bold Forest Garden Village is a strategically significant site for development in our region and brings with it great opportunities for us to deliver much needed homes and facilities. We know our residents want to see quality homes and community minded developments for them and future generations of their families benefit alongside attracting people looking to make our borough their new home. The emerging proposals seek to facilitate healthy, sustainable lifestyles for residents of  the Garden Village and in the wider local community . We want to hear from local people how we can best achieve this to maximise the benefits for everyone."