Contractor Eric Wright Group starts work on a £30m project to transform a Victorian market square in Liverpool city region. Tony McDonough reports
Contractor Eric Wright Group has started preparatory works on a £28m project to create a new market square in Earlstown in St Helens.
There has been a market in the town centre since the early 1840s with an indoor market hall built in 1851. Under the new plans the existing market will have a permanent canopy inspired by the Sankey Viaduct landmark.
It will provide sheltered trading space to support and grow Earlestown’s historic market long into the future and provide an attractive and flexible space to host events all year round.
This project has been brought forward by St Helens Council and ECF – a partnership of Homes England, L&G and Muse. It is supported by £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, alongside £8m match funding from the council.
The council has also secured £1.113m in grant funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and the project also includes the restoration of the Grade II-listed Victorian town hall which is already under way.
Once preparatory works have been completed Eric Wright will move onto the full construction phase before the end of 2025.
Cllr Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at St Helens Council, said: “Seeing Eric Wright on site this summer is a huge milestone for Earlestown.
“The preparatory works mark the beginning of visible progress that will lead to a transformed market square, ensuring we have the right foundations in place to deliver this ambitious project smoothly and effectively.”
Eric Wright is carrying out surveys and trial holes – small excavations further assessing ground conditions before building work begins.
It will also remove some street furniture and trees and prepare the Market Chambers building to be used as site accommodation facilities during the construction period.
A dedicated public liaison officer has been appointed by the firm to be on site and work closely with market traders, businesses and local residents to ensure regular and clear communication throughout the project.
This scheme is happening in tandem with the £100m regeneration of St Helens town centre which is also being delivered by ECF and the council.
Paul Corner, senior project manager for Eric Wright Group, added: “We are pleased to be able to commence the pre-construction works which is a great start in getting the project off the ground.
“We look forward to working closely with the community and all parties involved as the finer project details are progressed and the project gets off the ground.”