Plans for a new transport interchange are submitted for approval as part of the £90m regeneration of St Helens town centre. Tony McDonough reports
Plans have been submitted for a new transport interchange in St Helens town centre.
Part of the £90m transformation of the town centre, the interchange will be delivered with funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and from the UK Government Towns Fund.
This facility will aim to improve the experience and safety of those travelling by bus, cycle and pedestrians. Funding includes enhancements to the public realm to provide walking and cycling links between the interchange and the town’s train station.
It will create new, unique public spaces in the town centre. These spaces will include a space to the new front door of the Gamble building – a new civic square between the interchange and the Gamble Building.
St Helens Interchange is being brought forward by St Helens Council and ECF, a partnership formed of Homes England, Legal & General and Muse, with financial support from the Combined Authority via the CRSTS (City Region Transport Settlement). Main contractor on the scheme is VINCI Building.
The application follows a public consultation held at the end of 2024 where respondents overwhelmingly supported the proposals for the new Interchange and the Gamble Square.
The interchange itself will feature two fully enclosed concourses offering warm, spacious and sheltered bus waiting areas, a new travel centre and accessible toilets – including a changing places facility.
Street furniture, better lighting, improved CCTV, trees and soft landscaping, in the new public realm will both connect and frame the Gamble Building, the Theatre Royal and the forthcoming Hampton by Hilton hotel.
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Cllr Anthony Burns, leader of St Helens Council, said: “These plans are one of the key parts of our vision for transforming St Helens town centre.
“Equipping St Helens borough with a well-connected, integrated, and accessible public transport system is a key aim of the town centre regeneration programme.
“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, cyclists and pedestrians.”
