Demolition works update as St Helens town centre transformation gathers pace

Article date: May 19th 2025

Over the next week, construction teams will begin precision cutting around the former car park area of the Hardshaw Centre to prepare for the main building's phased demolition, which is scheduled for this summer.

To facilitate the safe undertaking of these works, several traffic management measures will be introduced, including:

• A temporary one-way system (southbound only) on Hall Street from Bickerstaffe Street to its junction with George Street.
• The permanent closure to vehicles of part of Bickerstaffe Street (between Hall Street and Library Street) fronting the bus station and adjoining empty buildings.
• A temporary suspension of the pedestrian zone (Bus Gate) on Bickerstaffe Street adjacent to Victoria Square, allowing two-way vehicle access to private car parks and servicing areas to the rear of Century House and on Claughton Street.

VINCI Building, the main contractor delivering Phase One of the transformation, is overseeing the works. The company has pledged to minimise disruption wherever possible, including the installation of additional hoardings to secure the site and protect public safety.

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning at St Helens Borough Council, said: "Transforming St Helens into a more welcoming, people-friendly town centre, with attractive new public spaces and fantastic new facilities, does involve some major changes. We appreciate this may cause short-term inconvenience and thank everyone for their patience and understanding. Our teams are working hard to minimise disruption, and clear signage will be in place to guide users of the town centre through the temporary changes."

The main demolition works will proceed in three phases from June to September 2025, moving from Church Square towards Bickerstaffe Street. Environmentally friendly practices are being prioritised including dust suppression, with recycling and reuse targets for all demolition materials. Most concrete and masonry will be reused on site to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.

Once demolition is complete, the site will be ready for construction works starting in the Autumn, delivering a new expended Transport Interchange, Market Hall, a 120-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, 64 high-quality homes and 11,000 sq ft of modern retail space. All of this will be surrounded by sustainable public areas, designed to create a welcoming, green, and connected town centre.

The town centre regeneration is being delivered by St Helens Borough Council and ECF - a national partnership between Homes England, L&G, and Muse. Their shared vision for St Helens is backed with financial support from the Town Deal Fund and One Public Estate: Brownfield Land Release Fund.