Langtree takes naming rights for St Helens ground

DEVELOPER Langtree has acquired the rights to the new rugby league stadium it has built for St Helens rugby league club.

The 18,000-capacity stadium, which was completed last month, will now be known as the Langtree Park stadium. Langtree is a commercial property specialist based in nearby Newton-le-Willows which is owned by property entrepreneur Bill Ainscough.

The stadium forms part of a long-term development scheme being undertaken by Langtree that includes a new 145,000 sq ft Tesco Extra store, the construction of residential properties on the club’s former Knowsley Road site, and improved public realm areas.

The stadium was built by Barr Construction and Arcadis UK has managed the project.

John Downes, managing director at Langtree, said: “Our deal with Saints is a fitting conclusion to a project that we are delighted to have delivered.  

“We are proud to be associated with such a prestigious and well-respected club and we hope the stadium will give Saints the platform from which their ambitions on and off the pitch can be realised. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Saints for many years to come.

“As a local business, it’s great to be involved at such an exciting time for both the town and the club. Our association with the site will also continue and we look forward to bringing forward a second phase of retail and leisure development on the 14 acres of vacant land adjacent to the stadium.”

Eamonn McManus, St Helens chairman, said: “Securing a naming rights deal was a big part of the new stadium plan and we’re pleased to extend our relationship with Langtree.

“Langtree has done a fantastic job on the stadium and we know that once the stadium fit-out is complete that it’s going to be the best arena in the country to watch rugby league.”

St Helens Council has also invested almost £8m in the development, which has included a new footbridge linking the site to the town centre.

The first game to take place at Langtree Park will be a Karalius Cup game with Widnes in January.