Work starts on Earlestown police station
Contractor Morris & Spottiswood has begun building the facility off Market Street, a short distance from the outdated station it will replace.
Plans drawn up by AHR Architects show how the surface-level car park in the St Helens town will be transformed into an accessible and sustainable police station.
Inside the station, a public-facing general enquiry office, an interview and meeting room, a locker area, a multi-faith room, and required operational facilities will be installed.
Matthew Wall, public sector director, Morris & Spottiswood, said he was “proud to play a part” in equipping Merseyside Police with a new facility, adding the firm wants “to leave a legacy beyond bricks and mortar” in the town.
Applicant Merseyside Police wants to build the station as part of the force’s wider 12-year Estate Strategy, which aims to update regional police services.
The police station plan aims to replace the outdated 1970s facility currently in use, a mere 50 metres away from the application site.
Emily Spurrell, Merseyside’s police and crime commissioner, said: “Newton-le-Willows police station is in a great position to serve its community, but sadly, the existing building has reached the end of its lifespan and requires extensive repairs and maintenance.
“The station will not only improve Merseyside Police’s operational efficiency but also strengthen our ties with the community, making it easier for them to report crimes and engage with their local policing team.”
It is expected that 15 community support officers and three GEO staff will work from the station.
Designer AHR Architects also acted as the planner, submitting plans to St Helens Council on behalf of Merseyside Police.
Cllr Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Council, added: “It is a great comfort for our residents that Merseyside Police has renewed its unwavering commitment to serving the community with a new station in the heart of Earlestown.
“We have long campaigned for this, so it’s fantastic to see it come to fruition. The brand-new station will fit perfectly into the regeneration work we are already doing.”
Earlestown is set for a wider £30m town centre regeneration, led by St Helens Council and partner ECF, with Eric Wright Construction recently appointed as principal contractor for the scheme.
