Council planners give the go ahead to a new Liverpool city region bus interchange costing more than £35m – part of a wider £100m regeneration project. Tony McDonough reports
Work will start on a new transport interchange in St Helens town centre after it was given the green light by council planners.
Funded to the tune of £35.25m from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Government, the interchange for bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians is part of the wider £100m regeneration of the town centre.
Key features of the scheme include two fully enclosed, temperature-controlled concourses with warm, spacious waiting areas, a new travel centre, and accessible toilets including a Changing Places facility.
Its design incorporates 11 bus stands (up from the previous nine), level boarding, automatic doors at each departure stand, and screens featuring real-time information for both buses and trains.
This project is being delivered through a partnership between St Helens Council and ECF, a joint venture comprising Homes England, L&G, and Muse.
The Combined Authority’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement is providing £32m with the rest coming from the UK Government’s Towns Fund and additional financial contributions from St Helens Council.
VINCI Building has been appointed as the principal contractor for the scheme. The interchange will use recycled, natural and local materials together with solar panels on the main roof and green roofs on each pod building.
It will feature landscaped planters to boost biodiversity. Additional accessibility measures include step-free access throughout, clear signage (digital and audio), high-quality adjustable lighting, and acoustic panels for a more comfortable environment.
Extensive improvements to the surrounding public realm will better connect the St Helens Interchange to St Helens Central Rail Station and landmarks such as the Gamble Building, Theatre Royal, and the forthcoming Hampton by Hilton hotel.
The former bus station has already been demolished, and a temporary bus hub has been operating since May. The next phase of construction will focus on underground works such as foundations and drainage.
Feedback has been incorporated into the final approved design. It includes a secure cycle storage facility, strategically positioned adjacent to the new active travel links.
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Matt Whiteley, senior development manager at ECF, said: “The new St Helens Interchange isn’t just about improving transport – it’s about shaping an attractive first impression people have when they arrive in St Helens.
“With better walking routes, public spaces, and extensive use of sustainable materials, the Interchange will be a key part of the town’s greener, more connected future.”
Phase One development plans for the town centre also include a new market hall, 120-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, 57 apartments, eight townhouses, and 4,266 sq ft of new retail space.