A plan to regenerate a large swathe of the St Helens area by promoting outdoor recreation to stimulate economic growth has been formally adopted.

The Bold Forest Park Area Action Plan covers areas of former colliery and agricultural land at Sutton Manor, Clock Face, Bold and Bold Heath.

The plan, adopted by St Helens Council yesterday (25 September) encourages inward investment via rural entrepreneurship in the visitor economy, while providing leisure and healthy living opportunities for the community.

Key proposals involve the development of several linked recreation hubs across the forest park area, providing visitor facilities and a base for activities including walking, mountain biking, horse riding, boating, canoeing, fishing and children¹s play facilities.

The plan also supports the potential future provision of a dedicated visitor centre at Sutton Manor building on the popularity of The Dream sculpture to provide a café, car parking and toilet facilities with the potential for events space.

Other aspects of the action plan focus on recognising the area¹s heritage and nature conservation with potential for guided activities. The establishment of land based training schemes to help create and maintain the Forest Park¹s infrastructure will also offer local employment opportunities.

Councillor John Fulham, St Helens Council’s cabinet member for growth, says: “This vision for Bold Forest Park has been in the pipeline for some time now, so I¹m delighted to hear of this adoption which takes our dream one step closer to becoming reality.

“Once complete, this once derelict site will be a key asset for the borough which is sure to attract visitors from across the borough and beyond.

“With government funding coming to an end after 2020, the council will have to stand on its own two feet, so exciting plans like this will help contribute to the future of the borough and attract investment, letting the rest of the country know that St Helens is open for business.”

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