Full construction begins on a £30m project to transform and revitalise a Liverpool city region town centre. Tony McDonough reports
Work on the £30m regeneration of Earlestown Market Square and high streets has started.
A groundbreaking ceremony has been held to mark the start of full construction which will see the transformation of Earlestown Market Square and improvements to the surrounding public realm.
This forms part of a long-term programme being delivered by St Helens Council and ECF – a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse – backed by £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and £8m match funding from the council.
Last year Eric Wright Group was appointed as main contractor. Since then, the company has completed a series of enabling works to prepare the site for construction.
These included surveys and trial holes, the removal of selected street furniture and trees, and preparing the Market Chambers building for use as contractor temporary site accommodation.
Construction work was started in early 2026 to allow the market to remain operational in its Market Square location throughout the busy Christmas season. This followed extensive engagement with market traders and the local community who made this request.
During construction, Earlestown Friday Retail Market and Saturday Flea Market will continue to operate from a temporary location along Market Street, ensuring continuity for traders and customers alike.
Upon completion of the works, the market will return permanently to a reimagined Market Square.
The improvements will transform Earlestown’s historic Market Square into a flexible public space. A new permanent canopy, inspired by the nine arches of the Sankey Viaduct, will provide sheltered trading space and create a distinctive venue.
Work is also continuing nearby on the Grade II-listed Earlestown Town Hall, where HH Smith & Sons is delivering refurbishment and extension works, due for completion in summer 2026.
Together, the schemes form part of a wider 20-year regeneration plan being delivered by ECF in partnership with St Helens Council, aimed at creating successful, sustainable town centres in Earlestown and St Helens.
Cllr Kate Groucutt, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth at the council, said: “Market Square is central to the life of Earlestown, and today’s groundbreaking marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the town.
“This project will create a vibrant, high-quality space that supports local businesses and community life, while respecting the town’s heritage.
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“Listening to traders and residents has been fundamental to shaping the programme, and we’re committed to keeping people closely involved as works progress.”
Paul Corner, senior project manager at Eric Wright Group, added: “Breaking the ground here at the Market Square marks the start of this key phase in the project.
“We are committed to delivering a high-quality transformation along with continuing to work closely with the community as we progress through the project stages.”