Funding for Earlestown transformation approved by Cabinet

Article date: May 2nd 2025

The scheme is being brought forward by St Helens Borough Council and ECF, a partnership formed of Homes England, L&G and Muse, the nationwide place-maker.  

Cabinet has approved the funding package that will see the appointment of Eric Wright Group to undertake extensive public realm improvements, including work at Earlestown's market square that will be enhanced and upgraded into a stunning multi-use public square to support and grow the town's historic market long into the future.

The enhanced market square will also be equipped with a new permanent canopy inspired by the nine arches of the local Sankey Viaduct landmark, providing high-quality sheltered trading space and the flexibility to host a variety of public events all year round.

Cabinet has also approved the funding for the appointment of HH Smith & Sons, who are already on site conducting enabling works at the Grade II listed Earlestown Town Hall, as the main contractor for the extension and complete internal refurbishment of the much-loved historic landmark site.

Designed by heritage architecture specialists Buttress, the works will include the creation of community meeting rooms, flexible workspaces and a new courtyard garden and café area, together with public toilets and a Changing Places facility. The building's main hall will be brought back to life as a performance and events space, complementing and developing Earlestown's evening economy. The next stage of refurbishment of Earlestown Town Hall follows a £1m Council investment in the external elevations of the building completed in 2023.

Diane Bourne, Eric Wright Group's Managing Director said: "We are pleased to have received the green light for this important public realm project that will transform Earlestown market square and key high streets for generations to come. Our works will enhance these multi-use spaces whist retaining their traditions."

Michael Smith, Project Manager, HH Smith & Sons said: "HH Smith & Sons are delighted to be part of the Earlestown regeneration and transformation scheme. We are looking forward to the exciting opportunity of bringing the Grade II listed Earlestown Town Hall back to its former glory and creating a new energy efficient community hub."

The Cabinet meeting additionally saw approval of an additional £1.13m funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to undertake carbon-reduction works at Earlestown Town Hall as part of the building's refurbishment. This will replace the existing heating system with air source heat pumps and include complementary measures such as modern insulation, efficient LED lighting, lighting controls and an upgraded electricity supply. These changes will improve energy efficiency considerably, with estimated annual savings of £83,460 and 92.15 tonnes of CO2e saved in the first year.

Works on Earlestown regeneration programme will begin on site in May. The plans are funded by a £20m grant from Round 2 of the Government's Levelling Up Fund (LUF) with £8m match funding provided by St Helens Borough Council.

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth and Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council, said: "The appointment of our construction and delivery partners, coupled with the allocation of the funding, represents a landmark milestone on our plans for the positive future of Earlestown town centre.  The final appointment of our contractors and getting started on site is an exciting stage. We therefore look forward to work progressing at Earlestown Town Hall and Market Square and I'm sure that people across Earlestown will share in our excitement."

David Baines, MP for St Helens North, added; "This is a hugely significant step forward for the council's ambitious plans for Earlestown and I pay tribute to Cllr McCauley, council leader Anthony Burns, and all those who have worked hard for a long time to deliver the change people want to see. There is still a long way to go but the council's unwavering commitment to Earlestown, its heritage and its future, is clear for all to see."

The Cabinet meeting also approved grant funding of up to £5.38m from the Earlestown Town Centre Levelling Up Fund Investment to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, via Grant Funding Agreement, for the appointment of Merseyrail Electrics 2002 Ltd as the preferred delivery partner for Earlestown Rail Station. The funding is also subject to approval from the Combined Authority.  

The Earlestown Rail Station project comprises three work packages. These are:

• Earlestown Rail Station Building Regeneration: to repair and bring back into use the currently neglected Grade II Listed Building, claimed to be the oldest railway station building in the world that is still in passenger use. 

• Hard and Soft Landscaping Works: to improve the immediate surroundings of the existing station building as well as enhancing the quality of the triangular land between railways. 

• General Station Improvements: to improve the overall condition of Earlestown Railway station, such as improvements to lighting, CCTV, the car park, the customer information system, pathways, wayfinding and information, waiting facilities, and ticket purchasing facilities 

Matt Whiteley, Senior Development Manager at ECF, added: "This latest milestone in our plans for both the Market Square and Town Hall represent another important stage in our plans for Earlestown. Approval for the funding of these appointments from Cabinet is another key step forward towards our goal of long-term and sustainable transformation of Earlestown, making it more attractive for local people and visitors alike."