As part of the £30m regeneration of a Liverpool city region town centre an historic market square Grade II-listed obelisk is being restored. Tony McDonough reports
An historic obelisk that stands at the centre of Earlestown’s Market Square will be sensitively repaired and restored as part of the £30m town centre regeneration.
In August, LBN reported that work was to begin on major public realm upgrades in Earlestown, which is within the borough of St Helens.
Works on Market Street will deliver improved pavement surfaces and street finishes and upgraded street furniture, signage, lighting and soft landscaping.
Now it has been revealed the project will include the restoration of the Grade II-listed obelisk, which dates back to the 19th century. It was moved to its current location in 1870, from its previous location at St Peter’s Church, Newton-le-Willows.
The obelisk became known as the Market Cross because the charter of the fair was traditionally read from its steps on the opening of the May and August fairs.
Works are being delivered by Quadriga, a specialist contractor with more than 30 years’ experience in historic and listed building restoration projects.
Quadriga operate across the UK and have previously delivered high profile projects including restoration works on Atlantic Pavillion at the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, Southport Town Hall and The Dream. Works are anticipated to begin in autumn 2026.
Earlestown town centre regeneration is being delivered by ECF, a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse) and St Helens Council. Main contractor Eric Wright Group has appointed Quadriga.
Earlestown’s regeneration is backed by £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and £8m match funding from the council. It aims to revitalise Earlstown’s centre by restoring and modernising the town hall and improving the market square.
Work is also well advanced on the full restoration of the Grade II-listed Earlestown Town Hall, a building originally completed in 1893 at a cost of £10,200 (almost £1.2m in today’s money).
Cllr Jack Benyon, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Property and Planning at St Helens Council said: “Our ambition is to build on the success of Earlestown as a historic market town and preserving and protecting its heritage is a key part of that vision.
“For over a century the obelisk has stood proudly at the centre of Earlestown Market Square, and it is important that these works are carried out to ensure it remains a focal point for centuries to come.
“Alongside the wider regeneration, we are restoring much loved Earlestown landmarks to their former glory and helping to protect them now and for future generations to enjoy.”