As part of the plans for the Halsnead Garden Village development major improvements to a much-loved community facility in Whiston are now well underway.

Knowsley Council is investing £1m in the facilities at Whiston Juniors FC as part of the wider Halsnead Garden Village development.

The investment will provide new changing facilities, improved playing pitches and a new sports pavilion for the Club on Windy Arbor Road.

A new car park and entranceway has now been completed as part of the investment works.

The new car park provides marked bays to accommodate 40 vehicles, including three disabled bays and the provision for minibus parking.

Four new cycle stands have also been installed to encourage active travel.

The new boundary wall and entrance to the site have been finished with high quality materials in-keeping with the traditional design principles that will be seen throughout the Garden Village.

Knowsley Council continues to work closely with Whiston Juniors to progress with the next phase of improvement works.

Whiston Juniors FC was established in 1985 and accommodates hundreds of players from under 5 to under 18 level.

The club is renowned for their youth coaching and boast former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and ex-Everton player Anthony Gordon among their past players.

Chris Hunt, Chairman of Whiston Juniors, said: “We are so grateful for all the support from Knowsley Council. Whiston Juniors is already popular with so many children in the local community. The improved facilities will help us grow and enhance the football experience for existing residents and new families moving in to Halsnead Garden Village.”

Since taking over the lease of the playing fields from Whiston Town Council, Knowsley Council has committed to working closely with the football club to ensure the site is maintained and fit for purpose.

Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “With the work that has been completed to date you can already see an enormous difference to the facilities. This investment will help ensure Whiston Juniors will be an important part of the local community for years to come and benefit existing and new residents alike.”

Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development: “I’m delighted that existing community facilities are benefiting from major enhancements as part of the Halsnead Garden Village development. The development will have wide-reaching benefits and access to high-quality outdoor space and recreational facilities will be a benefit to everyone.”

Once complete, Halsnead Garden Village will include approximately 1,600 new high-quality homes and a major new employment site. The Garden Village will also provide 33 hectares of new greenspaces and a new 28 hectare Country Park.