Having set the transformation of Liverpool John Lennon Airport in motion, Peel Holdings is racing ahead with a new tranche of development in South Liverpool. Work, play and go wild seems to be the policy with plans to provide an ambitious leisure complex, huge new employment opportunities - and a wildlife haven.

Peel Holdings' assets, valued at over £2bn, include The Trafford Centre, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and The Manchester Ship Canal Company. The company also has substantial expertise in regeneration, conservation, mineral extraction and waste treatment.

WORK: Peel aim to create 9600 jobs through the development of phase two of the Estuary Commerce Park. The company is partnering with Liverpool Land Company and NWDA to provide 33 mixed use buildings with floor space ranging from 3,874 square metres to 43,153 square metres. Usage is expected to be light industrial, manufacturing, warehousing and offices - and a 60-acre flagship site will be held in reserve for special users who want to invest in a larger site.

The scheme is currently at the Masterplan stage but the company says enquiries are already coming in. Louise Morrissey, head of land and planning, describes it as "a site attractive not just for regional investment but for national and overseas investors as well".
Timescale:ongoing for the next 15 to 20 years.

PLAY: The 'Wings' entertainment park will be developed close to the airport on a 245,000 square foot site. The park will include a multiplex cinema, two hotels, bowling, restaurants, bars, health and fitness club. Peel have secured planning permission and they expect to create 1000 jobs.

"Wings will complement the other developments in the area," says Roger Wheeldon, Peel's development manager. "South Liverpool now has major high quality retail and employment facilities to which Wings will add a state of the art entertainment complex of a quality not seen in Liverpool before."
Timescale: completion by 2005.

GO WILD: In tandem with the National Trust, the Mersey Basin Campaign and NWDA Peel is investigating ways of improving access to the Mersey shore and enhancing its status as a wildlife haven. The aim is to create a coastal reserve which will delight visitors all year round - whether they travel in the family car from Hunts Cross or fly in under their own wing-power from Siberia.

The land in question is a 70-acre site to the south of the old North Airfield. Walter Menzies, chief executive of the Mersey Basin Campaign, describes it as "a wasted asset," and goes on: "Its transformation will bring major benefits to the local community and contribute to the wider Mersey Waterfront Regional Park." Planning permission is being sought and local community organisations are being consulted.
Timescale: commencement autumn 2003, completion 2006, estimated cost £5 million.