Go-ahead for ECF’s £100m St Helens town centre reset
The council-led scheme has received approval for its first phase, which is set to bring a 120-bed hotel, more than 60 homes, and 11,400 sq ft of retail space to a reimagined town centre.
ECF, the joint venture between Muse, L&G, and Homes England, alongside St Helens Council, is behind the 24-acre, £100m regeneration plan.
VINCI has been appointed to lead its construction, which can now begin.
Consent will clear the way for the former Hardshaw Centre’s redevelopment into a revitalised central district with the overarching aim of improving the public realm and boosting footfall to the area.
VINCI’s £7.5m demolition contract for the 115,000 sq ft Hardshaw Centre has been ongoing throughout the year.
Phase one will feature the construction of a 120-bed Hampton by Hilton hotel, 56 apartments, eight townhouses, and more than 11,400 sq ft of retail space.
In addition, a 22,400 sq ft modern market hall, a five-storey 75,000 sq ft office block, and a range of sustainable public realm enhancements have been given consent.
Jon Matthews Architects and Planit are credited with the project’s design. Planner CBRE has led ECF and the council through the application process.
The first phase is predicted to generate a GDV of £23.2m and almost 500 jobs.
The project has a GDV of more than £23m. Credit: Virtual Planit
Cllr Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Council, said: “This is a defining moment for St Helens – an opportunity to create a reimagined town centre that works for everyone.
“The planning consent will allow us to build a place that reflects our identity and heritage while embracing innovation, where people come together, local businesses thrive, and opportunities are created for future generations.
“From new jobs and apprenticeships to family-friendly spaces, and greener, healthier streets will improve quality of life for residents.”
The wider masterplan for the site was approved in 2023. ECF has since brought forward plans for a £100m reset of St Helens Interchange.
ECF’s scheme has been backed by a £69.2m funding package from the council, with phase one being granted £7.2m through the Town Deal.
Matt Whiteley, senior project manager at ECF, said: “Everyone on the project team is proud to move forward with this landmark regeneration.
“Sustainability is at the heart of the design – from low carbon construction techniques like exposed structural timber in the Market Hall, to enhanced green infrastructure that invites nature back into the centre of the town.
“Beyond environmental benefits, this scheme is about lasting community value: job creation, inclusive growth, and public spaces that make St Helens an even better place to live, work, and visit.”
The project team includes TEP, Faithful+Gould, Cundall, Project Four, Hilson Moran, Powers, Heyne Tillett Steel, and DFC.
The reserved matters application can be viewed with the planning reference number P/2023/0685/RES on St Helens Council’s planning portal.
Looks really impressive
By Anonymous