Exciting plans for the transformation of Halewood’s Grace Park (Wood Road field) moved another step closer after plans were approved by the Council’s Planning Committee.
Knowsley Council is planning to transform the green space into a new community park delivered to Green Flag standard, with improved sports facilities, play areas and upgrades across the site.
The plans received full support from the Planning Committee. This follows the unanimous backing for the plans from Halewood Town Council.
With planning approval secured, Grace Park is set to benefit from a multi-million investment that will not only improve sports, play and recreation facilities but better connect the park to the town centre for the whole community to enjoy.
Work is now expected to commence on site in early 2027.
What to expect
CGI fly-through videos, which you can watch below, highlight what residents and visitors can look forward to once plans are delivered.
The planned investment will open up the park, allowing pedestrian access from both Leathers Lane and Wood Road and providing a through route for pedestrians and cyclists alongside:
Beautiful new green spaces
- A colourful new garden area with new tree planting and plenty of seating areas to enjoy the surroundings (existing memorial benches will be retained);
- Retention of the informal green space to allow everyone space to relax, have a picnic, walk the dog or take part in activities; and
- A welcoming plaza that connects directly to Halewood Shopping Centre and can be used as focal point for community activities, including celebrations and remembrance.
More nature and wildlife
- Plans to plant a wide variety of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ornamental plants to create a more vibrant, wildlife‑friendly green space;
- New ponds, rain gardens and natural drainage features to help manage flooding so that the park remains available throughout the year; and
- Better views and more attractive landscaped areas across the site.
Big improvements for sports
- New all-weather football pitch and mini soccer pitch, to allow year-round use on a reduced, manageable footprint;
- The new pitches will be complemented by a modern clubhouse with changing rooms, toilets, a café and social space for community activities;
- Acoustic fencing will be introduced to reduce noise for nearby houses;
- Facilities will be operated by Halewood Town Junior Football Club, ensuring long-term community benefit;
- Recognising the reduction in the area of Grace Park/Wood Road Field used for formal sporting activities (currently football), alternative and additional provision will be created elsewhere within the Halewood South Ward through a further £250,000 investment at New Hutte Neighbourhood Centre, to bring the grassed areas at the centre up to formal playing pitch standard and available for community use.
New play facilities
- Secure accessible play area for younger children featuring brand new equipment to encourage all types of play;
- A dedicated youth zone with play equipment designed for kids aged 8-13 to enjoy; and
- An adventure trail connecting both spaces to encourage children to explore, be active and try new experiences.
Improved access for everyone
- New walking and cycling paths linking different parts of Halewood together with safe, off-road routes
- A new car park with accessible bays and EV charging, to reduce congestion during sporting events;
- Clear signage across the park, linking this site to other parts of Halewood; and
- The installation of boundary fencing to ensure the park remains a car free environment.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “This investment will transform Grace Park into a vibrant, accessible and sustainable community hub, delivering significant improvements in sports provision, biodiversity, connectivity and overall amenity for Halewood residents. It will be a transformation of a community space in the heart of Halewood.”
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Our Halewood Investment Masterplan will see £30 million of investment ploughed into the town. This includes improved recreation and leisure facilities, sustainable transport connections and an improved retail offer. Improvements to Halewood Leisure Centre and Active Travel improvements are already well underway. These plans will transform Grace Park into a high quality potentially Green Flag status park which the whole community will be able to enjoy and benefit from. The development will also create provision for an enhanced retail offer in Halewood.”
George Vaughan, Club Secretary at Halewood Town Juniors, said: “We are delighted to see the plans progress and we can’t wait for the developments to be delivered. These new and improved facilities will benefit the community all year round and provide opportunities for more children in Halewood. At the moment we risk young people from Halewood having to go out of the area to be able to access all year round and all-weather facilities. The first-rate infrastructure that will be put in place will enable us to develop more teams and a wider offering in Halewood. It’s something we’ll be proud to manage for the community in the heart of the community.”
£30m investment in Halewood
Knowsley Council secured £15.3m UK Government funding and an additional £2.5m from the City Region Sustainable Travel Settlement to invest in Halewood. In addition, the Council has secured around £13m in Section 106 contributions from developers delivering the East of Halewood housing development. This investment is already being ploughed into improved services and facilities in Halewood, meaning that over £30 million will be invested in Halewood in the coming years.