Demolition works signal next step in transforming St Helens Town Centre

Article date: 11 April 2025

Improved public transport facilities and more attractive, people-friendly public spaces are at the heart of the vision for the town centre. The works are part of a programme that will deliver a welcoming expanded and integrated sustainable transport interchange that features two fully enclosed and accessible concourses offering warm, spacious and sheltered bus waiting areas, a new travel centre and accessible toilets - including a Changing Places facility.

The vision for this part of St Helens town centre also includes introducing high quality street furniture, better lighting, improved CCTV, trees and soft landscaping in the new public realm that will both connect and frame some of St Helens' iconic buildings, new and old - including the Gamble Building, the Theatre Royal and the forthcoming Hampton by Hilton hotel.

Work is about to commence on the demolition of buildings that adjoin the current bus station, with the works requiring three nights of temporary road closures around Hall Street and Corporation Street to allow for the safe removal of the former Swan Inn and Town Friar premises, as well as the existing North bus stand.

The works are being undertaken overnight to minimise disruption to the travelling public and nearby businesses. They will take place between 11pm and 5am, starting on Sunday, April 13. Nearby residents and businesses have been informed directly, and a full traffic management and diversion plan will be in place.

Sustainability is a key priority for the regeneration programme. Much of the concrete and masonry from the demolition will remain on site and be reused in future construction — with main contractor VINCI Building targeting an impressive 96-98% recycling and reuse rate by weight and volume. VINCI Building is also voluntarily registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme, reflecting its commitment to minimising the impact of works on the local community and environment.

The project is being delivered with £32m of funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, with funding from the Towns Fund, St Helens Council and One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund.

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth & Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council, said: "This is a year of transition and real change for St Helens town centre. Residents and visitors will start to see more highly visible activity on site as we prepare for the construction phase of this exciting project.

"These latest works represent another important step towards restoring pride in our town centre and creating a place people want to spend time in — for shopping, for leisure, and for everyday life - it's what our communities told us is a priority and we are delivering on our commitments to deliver the transformational regeneration of St Helens town cente."

Plans to keep the town centre accessible throughout the works have already been announced, with full details available at: https://sthelenstowncentre.co.uk

St Helens Borough Council is delivering this ambitious 20-year regeneration plan in partnership with ECF — a strategic joint venture between Muse, L&G, and Homes England.