THE regeneration company delivering the transformation of the former Parkside colliery in Newton-le-Willows says it is now moving to the next stage of its plan to boost local supply chain input to the employment scheme.

A research assignment on the company’s behalf contacted 2,000 businesses in St Helens and the wider Liverpool city region to gauge their interest in supplying the scheme during construction of its first phase,  joint venture company Parkside Regeneration LLP said.

A total of 169 businesses have registered, and they will now go forward to the next phase of assessment.

John Downes, group chief executive of Warrington-based developer Langtree, which is a 50:50 shareholder in the joint venture with St Helens Council, said: "This initial search has proven highly beneficial and will help us maximise the local input into Parkside."

Mr Downes added: "We’re now working with the contracting industry to help us understand how best to qualify suppliers and sub-contractors for work on phase one.

"That’s about understanding the sort of documentation and accreditation that a main contractor requires of its supply chain to comply with its insurance and project delivery protocols.

"Once we’ve clarified this then we’ll be getting back in touch with our registered businesses with guidance on bid timetables and needs.”

Mr Downes added that companies can still register their interest in bidding for a range of work packages, from earthworks to joinery and flooring to windows, at thisisparkside.co.uk/local-suppliers

Cllr Kate Groucutt added: “The surest way of maximising the social value for Newton-le-Willows and the wider borough is through helping local firms secure contracts to deliver Parkside.

"Building capacity and confidence in our local supply chain whilst also attracting high quality long-term jobs will be what marks Parkside out as an exemplar of true public and private partnership,” 

The first phase, which the company says will involve £80m of investment, passed its final planning hurdle last week with approval of its reserved matters application.

Developers anticipate to create around 1,330 jobs when fully operation, although opponents of the scheme are sceptical about those figures.

The new link road which connects the site to the M6 near Winwick and Kenyon is set to complete in the spring.