Funding secured for St Helens interchange

A £32m package from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will set into motion the first steps towards a wider £100m town centre regeneration.

The development of a multi-modal interchange would transform the area around St Helens town centre bus station to create a new transport hub and provide upgrades to Gamble Square.

Funding was secured at the end of September after the council received the £32m grant from the LCRCA. The Interchange is the first part of a wider £100m regeneration of the town centre.

Plans designed by Austin Smith Lord Architects and Planit are being brought forward by St Helens Council and the English Cities Fund, a partnership formed by Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse.

Also on the project team are VINCI, transport planner Eddisons, and Arcadis, which will cover project management.

A detailed planning application is due to be submitted in the coming weeks and enabling works would begin before the end of the year.

At the beginning of November, plans will be displayed for the public to view and have their say.

Spring 2025 would see a temporary bus hub, funded by a £2.7m grant, open as construction on the interchange begins, with its completion and opening expected by autumn 2026.

Work is expected to be completed in time for the LCRCA’s franchised bus network to service the town in 2026.

The project aims to “vastly improve the experience and safety of those travelling by bus, cyclists, and pedestrians”, according to plans.

The project would prioritise pedestrians and cyclists through a 20% increase in footways and improvements to crossing facilities near popular town centre venues.

Featuring two fully enclosed concourses with sheltered bus waiting areas, there would be 11 bus stands, more than the current station’s nine, due to expected changes to bus services.

A travel centre and accessible toilets will be built at the interchange. Real-time service information for both buses and trains will also be provided.

Steve Rotheram, LCRCA Metro Mayor, said: “This is more great news for St Helens and is only able to be delivered because they are a member of the LCRCA.

“Buses are the backbone of our public transport, with over 80% of journeys in our region made by bus.”

The interchange building will be sustainably designed using recycled and local materials and will be powered by solar-panelled roofing.

Rotheram added: “The £32m investment in St Helens’ new interchange is part of a much bigger plan to create the London-style transport integrated network our region deserves.

“This isn’t just about shiny new buildings; it’s about making a real difference to people’s lives. We’re building a system that’s greener, safer, and more accessible, with local people at its heart.

“When the first franchised bus services roll out in 2026, they’ll be serving this brand-new interchange, making it easier than ever for people to get around.”

The release of funding from the LCRCA has also inspired Gamble Square, which according to plans would “create vibrant and welcoming public spaces with clearer, safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists”.

The demolition of the current station is expected to take place in Spring 2025. Credit: via St Helens Council

The square would connect key buildings, notably the Gamble Building, the Theatre Royal, and the Millennium Centre through soft landscaping, lighting, and improved street furniture.

Cllr Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Council, said: “Maintaining and building on our strong relationship with the city region is a key priority to us. Influencing and driving devolution will be key to delivering the continued regeneration of our borough.

“The St Helens Interchange will make sure the town’s long-term public transport needs are met, seamlessly providing a more efficient operational layout and vastly improving the experience of passengers, cycles, and pedestrians.”

He continued: “Together with the new Gamble Square, it will form a key gateway into the town centre, where pedestrians and cycles will take priority in a vibrant and welcoming high-quality public space.”

The St Helens Interchange is a singular element of a wider first phase of the £100m regeneration of St Helens.

The wider masterplan indicates the future transformation of 24 acres of St Helens town centre with the creation of a new market hall, a mixed-use area surrounding a new 120-room hotel, 64 homes, and 75,000 sq ft of office space is further down the pipeline.