St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved a significant £29.8 million investment package to deliver the ambitious regeneration of Earlestown town centre, marking a major milestone in bringing the transformation plans to reality.
The decision, made at last night’s Cabinet meeting, authorises investment from the Levelling Up Fund Round 2 programme and related funding sources to progress three key elements of the regeneration scheme: the Market Square and public realm, Town Hall restoration, and Railway Station improvements.
The Cabinet approved a revised funding allocation after construction market inflation since 2022 and potential delivery risks identified during design work pushed costs beyond original estimates. The new breakdown includes:
- £15.5 million for Market Square and public realm (increased from £11.9 million)
- £8.9 million for Town Hall restoration (increased from £8.4 million)
- £5.4 million for Earlestown Rail Station improvements (reduced from £9.5 million).
To accommodate these changes, approximately £4.1 million has been transferred from the Railway Station project to help deliver the Market Square and public realm elements, which will be the most visible and immediately beneficial aspects for local residents and businesses.
Construction to begin next month
Following the approvals, works are expected to commence on site for both the Market Square, public realm and Town Hall elements by May 2025, with projected completion dates of August 2026 and May 2026 respectively. The Railway Station improvements are scheduled to begin in Autumn 2026 and complete by late Summer 2027.
Market Square transformation will happen in phases
The Market Square and public realm will now be delivered in two phases to ensure timely progress. Phase 1 will focus on the Market Square itself and immediate surroundings, where delivery risks are lower and cost certainty is greater. Phase 2 will cover wider public realm improvements along Market Street, Bridge Street and Queen Street.
A new all-weather canopy inspired by the Sankey Viaduct (the nine-arches bridge) will be constructed to provide Earlestown’s historic market with modern facilities for future generations.
Town Hall to become Community Hub
The Town Hall project will build upon the £1 million investment made by the council in 2023 for external renovations. The building will be transformed into a community and workspace hub with meeting rooms, event space, flexible workspaces, and a new courtyard garden and café.
The main hall will be brought back to life as a performance and events space, supporting the development of Earlestown’s evening and leisure economy. Local performance groups like Newton Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society (NADOS) and Lowton, Golborne & Newton Community Choir have already expressed interest in using the restored space.
Additional funding for decarbonisation
The Cabinet also approved acceptance of £1.13 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme via the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority specifically for the Town Hall. This will fund climate-friendly improvements including air source heat pumps, insulation upgrades, LED lighting, and energy management systems.
Delivery partners appointed
Following competitive procurement processes, Eric Wright Civils has been appointed to deliver the Market Square and public realm work, while HH Smith & Sons will restore the Town Hall. For the Railway Station improvements, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will be the delivery partner, with Merseyrail Electrics as their preferred contractor.
Both contractors have committed to delivering significant social value for the borough, with targets to employ local people, provide work experience opportunities, procure from local suppliers, and support community initiatives. Eric Wright Civils is expected to generate £1.57 million in social value, while HH Smith’s commitment represents 10.6% of their contract value at £635,000.
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2 comments
Why are we spending yet more money on the town hall when the train station is badly in need of cleaning up and making it like it was b4 all the decay started. Why are the rams head at corner of market St. not turned into flats instead of it being left to rot?,& on the opposite corner the corner building looking like a bomb site still, the view with both of these buildings as you drive along queen street is not very appealing if any new people wanted too start living here in Earlestown.
Why are we paying for more money to be spent on the town hall,yet again ??. & why are the rams head pub not being turned into flats or demolished as with the corner building on the opposite side as they both are a major eyesore for any new people wishing to settle in newton to live & work.
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