Fresh plans have been submitted for a new warehouse in Cronton which form part of a giant, 1m sq ft industrial and logistics complex.

Construction of the Symmety Park logistics development on the site of the old Cronton Colliery is already well underway following approval by Knowsley Council. Phase one included construction of a warehouse which has already been pre-let to parcel delivery firm Yodel.

And phase two saw developer Tritax Symmetry submit outline plans for another two warehouses last year, but they have now been scrapped and replaced with a single 272,000 sq ft facility, along with 25 loading docks and 244 car parking spaces.

The site is located off Cronton Road close to the Tarbock island junction and the new application will need to be approved by Knowsley Council, but Halton will also be consulted as an adjoining authority.

A design and access statement submitted in support of the plans, said: “The development represents an investment to the area and will help to promote and support employment growth and stimulate economic regeneration to the area, cohesive with regional and local aspirations.

"The design seeks to minimise the impact on its surroundings; providing an opportunity for the development of attractive, contemporary and cohesive buildings that are fit for purpose and safe for all to use.”

The Cronton Colliery site has a long history. The colliery itself operated from 1913 to 1984, occupied most of the land south of the M62 and was linked to the railway network. The site lay derelict for years until it was acquired by English Partnerships, the government’s national regeneration agency, as part of the National Coalfield Programme.

In 1995, the site was partially restored, with old infrastructure removed and ownership transferred to the Northwest Regional Development Agency in 1999, later passed the Land Reclamation Trust in 2007.

Wider proposals for the site also include a a 65-acre country park with new pedestrian and cycle routes, which will run along the abandoned mineral railway line, connecting the towns and villages to the north and south of the M62 to the new country park.