Plans approved to unlock major jobs and housing development at Stonebridge Cross

Liverpool City Council has approved plans to bring one of the city’s largest remaining regeneration sites to market for a major employment-led development.

The 55-acre Stonebridge Cross site, on the East Lancashire Road in Croxteth, could deliver new industrial and commercial space, around 220 homes and hundreds of local job opportunities.

Cabinet members have given council officers delegated authority to appoint a specialist marketing agent and begin the search for a development partner.

The successful bidder will be expected to create a comprehensive masterplan for the council-owned site, bringing together employment space, housing, environmental improvements and better connections to nearby services and facilities.

Stonebridge Cross has long been identified as a strategically important development opportunity for Liverpool.

Updated planning policy, market testing and employment land evidence have highlighted strong demand for modern industrial, manufacturing and logistics premises in the city.

The council has therefore agreed that the site should be marketed on an employment-led basis, with an indicative split of 70% employment use and 30% residential development.

The employment space could attract industrial, logistics and manufacturing businesses, creating accessible jobs for people living in Croxteth and surrounding communities while supporting Liverpool’s wider economic growth ambitions.

The residential element is expected to include a range of properties, including affordable homes, to help meet local housing need and support the creation of a sustainable new neighbourhood.

The council’s preferred option is for the entire site to be developed through a single, coordinated masterplan rather than being brought forward in separate sections.

Stonebridge Cross will now be marketed nationally through a specialist agent.

Development proposals will be assessed against criteria including the number and quality of jobs created, housing delivery, design standards, social value, environmental performance and overall public benefit.

Liverpool City Council said the scheme could secure significant private investment and regeneration benefits for the area.

It is also expected to generate a substantial capital receipt for the council, alongside future income from business rates and council tax.

Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said:

“Stonebridge Cross is one of the most important regeneration opportunities currently available in Liverpool and I’m delighted Cabinet has approved this next step in bringing the site forward.

“This decision will allow us to test the market and attract developers who can help realise our vision of creating new jobs, new homes and long-term investment in Croxteth.

“The site has a strategically important role to play in meeting demand for high-quality employment land while also supporting housing delivery and wider regeneration benefits for local communities.

“We want development proposals that deliver genuine social value, create opportunities for local people and contribute to a thriving, sustainable future for the area.”