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For more information please contact Vernon Stockton at the Forestry Commission
vernon.stockton@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
1. Past
Brickfields has a history heavily linked to industry. Ibstock Brick Ltd - known locally as Roughdales - is located on part of the site.
Brickfields is also home to the Lord St Helens landfill site, owned by Ibstock Brick and operated by Cory Environmental.
Some localised work has already been carried out at Brickfields, Groundwork St Helens and The Forestry Commission. Coupled with this, Buff Quarry, to the north of the site, has already been grassed over and had trees planted - however, they are not managed at present.
Brickfields also makes up part of The Mersey Forest - the Community Forest for Merseyside and North Cheshire - which is delivering environmental improvement projects across large parts of area.
2. Present
Lord St Helens landfill site is currently still active, although there are plans to complete filling by 2007.
Brickfields already has good transport links - it is close to the A57 and has a main rail link running across the top of the site. The site is also close to the residential areas of Marshall’s Cross, Sutton Manor, Sutton Heath and Sutton Leach as well as the Lea Green Business Park and Sutton leisure centre.
Although the site has benefited from work in the past, it does suffer from anti-social behaviour, including motorbike and air gun use.
3. Future
The regeneration of Brickfields will connect existing community woodlands in the area. There are plans for the creation of a new woodland, hedges, grassland and wildlife areas.
Footpaths, cycleways and bridleways will criss-cross the area making this, and the surrounding areas, more accessible. Art installations and observation points are also planned throughout the site.
Brickfields will help provide a better setting and environment for south St Helens and encourage people and their expertise to stay in the area as well as attracting new investment.
4. Regeneration
How Newlands at Brickfields is helping your local economy
The regeneration of Brickfields will enhance investment potential within the St Helens Strategic Investment Area and help to tackle the needs of an area in the top 10% of the national Index of Multiple Deprivation.
Brickfields rejuvenation will attract further investment from the ERDF Objective 1 funding as well as in St Helens City Growth Strategy. Regeneration will create safe public access routes across the site and help transform the image of South St Helens.