A public consultation has been launched regarding the proposed plans for a £54million glass research facility in St Helens.

The 158,000 sq ft Glass Futures’ Centre of Excellence in Glass Manufacturing and Innovation is proposed adjacent to the St Helens Linkway and St Helens RFC’s Totally Wicked Stadium. It will be a new state-of-the-art global research and development facility and the world’s first openly accessible test and trial furnace operation. The facility will be used to deliver industry and government backed R&D projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of glass production and will provide a platform for industry to test and trial short commercial runs.

Network Space has launched a  public consultation inviting local businesses and residents  to view the site proposals online at www.glassfutures-sthelens.co.uk. There are details of the planned Centre of Excellence, as well as the economic benefits it would bring to St Helens and the wider region. Comments can be submitted via the website, or in writing to: Glass Futures’ Centre of Excellence Consultation c/o Spawforths, J41 Business Court, East Ardsley. WF3 2AB. 

Catherine Chilvers, Development Director at Network Space, said: “This is a chance for members of the public and local businesses to have a look at the plans for this major regeneration project for St Helens on the former United Glassworks site. We would welcome any feedback on the scheme prior to the submission of a planning application, which we hope to submit in the next few weeks.”

She added: “Network Space has a long history with this site, having previously delivered the Totally Wicked Stadium and Tesco development. We hope that the local community will be excited about the Glass Futures’ scheme and the opportunities it can bring to the area.”