That’s the message from Knowsley Council following speculation online that it plans to ‘sell off’ Grace Park in Halewood.
In March 2026 plans were submitted to transform Halewood’s Grace Park (Wood Road field) into a new ‘Green Flag standard’ community park with improved sports facilities, play areas and upgrades across the site.
As leaseholders of the site, Halewood Town Council, will consider the proposals in detail at their Town Council meeting on Thursday 28 May.
The publication of the agenda for the meeting has sparked some concern online. Here are the facts:
What is planned at Grace Park?
The multi-million-pound improvements planned for Grace Park aim to better connect this much-loved green space to the town centre and an asset for the whole community to enjoy.
As well as investing in new entrances, pathways and cycle ways, the proposals also include major improvements to football facilities on site – including a new clubhouse, the creation of a welcoming plaza to host community events, extensive planting, new seating areas, new ponds, rain gardens and natural drainage features and new play facilities to cater for children of all ages. There will also be a new car park with EV charging stations.
You can read more about the plans here or view the full proposals on the Council’s Planning Portal – search for Grace Park.
Who is behind these plans?
The plans have been developed by Knowsley Council in consultation with the Halewood community as part of its £30 million investment into Halewood.
Have the community been informed about the proposals?
Yes, the Council developed the plans for Halewood in response to community feedback for more investment in open space, leisure facilities and an improved district centre.
Upon securing the Levelling Up funding in 2023, the Council developed the plans for the investment with the community and has carried out extensive consultation to shape the plans through a range of events and online surveys.
What is the role of the Halewood Town Council?
Halewood Town Council hold a lease on Grace Park and therefore Knowsley Council has sought the co-operation and support of the Town Council, who have been involved in the development of the plans for the site.
As leaseholder, Halewood Town Council is required to grant a ‘licence’ to Knowsley Council to allow the work to go ahead, should it achieve planning permission. This will protect the Town Council from any issues, should they be encountered during the improvement works. This is a legal process and does not impact on the Town Council’s current lease for the site.
Why does Halewood Town Council need solicitors?
Granting a ‘licence’ is a formal legal process and therefore it is important that both parties have specialist legal representation to ensure both organisations are protected and that this is carried out properly.
In addition, the Town Council is seeking to appoint legal representation to support them in finalising a new lease on the green space – once the investment work is completed.
Are Halewood Town Council surrendering / giving up their lease?
No. The Town Council is looking to agree a ‘licence for works’ – with Knowsley Council – to allow the improvement works to proceed if planning permission is granted.
Once the work is completed, the Town Council will agree a new lease to reflect the investment in the park and slight adjustment to the park’s layout.
The new lease and termination of the old lease will be agreed by Knowsley Council and Halewood Town Council and will happen simultaneously to ensure continuity for all parties.
Is there a risk that a new lease won’t be granted?
No. Knowsley Council has always been clear that Halewood Town Council will be granted a new lease following the improvement works and that the agreement of a new lease and termination of the old lease will happen at the same time.
Is Grace Park going to be sold?
No. Grace Park is a key part of the £30 million investment proposals for Halewood and will be retained and improved for the benefit of the community.
Is it true that the green space being leased to the Town Council is ‘shrinking’ as has been suggested?
No. In fact that area that will be leased to the Town Council after the improvement work is actually slightly bigger than the land is leases now.
The plan below shows the boundary changes that will be made as part of the improvement work – notably to better connect the green space to the town centre and ensure the Town Council are not responsible for the upkeep of the sporting facilities which would come at a cost to them.
The area in blue is the area the Town Council currently hold a lease on totalling 45,420 sq metres and the area in red is the proposed new boundary which covers 46,500 sq metres.
Is public land being handed to private control?
No. The sporting area of the site will be leased to Halewood Junior Football Club, a grassroots, not for profit community enterprise that has been supporting young people in Halewood for many years.
The Lease will be arranged in line with the Council’s Community Asset Transfer guidance – like other sites across Knowsley – to secure the community benefits delivered by the Club over the long term: Community Asset Transfer guidance | Knowsley Council.