Vistry Group has announced plans to develop 243 homes on the site of the former Ibstock Roughdales brickworks in St Helens.

This brownfield project is part of Vistry's partner-delivery strategy and will provide both affordable and market-rate homes.

In collaboration with Onward Homes, 123 of the new homes will be offered in affordable tenures, including options for social rent and rent-to-buy. The remaining 120 homes will be sold directly through one of Vistry’s retail housebuilding brands.

The redevelopment of the long-vacant Roughdales site includes a public open space with a pathway connecting to Daisyfield Brickfields Woodland, enhancing green access for the local community. This project, which had faced delays under prior development plans, recently secured funding from the Liverpool City Region’s Brownfield Land Fund, which supports the transformation of challenging sites in the area.


Vistry's approved plan signals progress for a site earmarked for housing for several years and represents a key step in addressing local housing needs through mixed-use, sustainable development.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "This is great news for St Helens and its community. I’m thrilled to see Vistry Group leading the way in delivering these much-needed homes and creating vibrant communities. The investment in affordable housing and public spaces is vital, and it not only addresses housing needs, but also enhances the quality of life for residents.

"This project marks a significant step forward in our commitment to transforming brownfield sites across the Liverpool City Region. By revitalising the former Ibstock site, we’re addressing housing shortages but also investing in the long-term sustainability of St Helens and setting a precedent for future developments across the region."

Gemma Hardy, Managing Director, Vistry Merseyside and Cheshire West: "It is fantastic to be taking on such an iconic development for St Helens. The site has faced challenges in the past, but with our newly approved plans, and thanks to our partnership with Onward Homes, we are ready to deliver a high-quality, mixed-tenure development that truly reflects the potential of this unique location. This project will not only provide much-needed housing choice but will also revitalise the area, creating a lasting legacy for future residents and the wider community."