Earlestown’s £30m regeneration moves forward
English Cities Fund and St Helens Council are seeking input from residents on proposals for the town ahead of the submission of a planning application before the end of the year.
The £30m first phase of the regeneration of Earlestown will feature a major upgrade and modernisation of the town’s historic Market Square.
A permanent market canopy, inspired by the nine arches of the Sankey Viaduct, will be added at the square to provide a sheltered trading space so that it can host events all year round. New paving, seating, and public art will also be installed.
In addition, the grade two-listed town hall will be repurposed to provide community space, a café and flexible workspace, while extensive public realm improvements to Market Street, Stanley Street, Bridge Street, and Queen Street will be carried out.
“We’re delighted to be bringing forward further details on our proposals to transform and reinvigorate historic Earlestown,” said Cllr David Baines, Leader of St Helens Council.
“The Market Square is home to one of the oldest working markets in the country. Our plans for a more attractive and flexible Market Square, with the much-loved town hall fully repaired and reopened as a thriving community hub, will help to deliver the diverse, vibrant town centre residents want and deserve.”
Have your say on the proposals
The scheme, designed by Jon Matthews Architects and Planit, is being supported by a £20m grant from the government’s Levelling Up Fund and £7.5m from St Helens Council.
The council appointed ECF, a joint venture between Muse, Legal & General, and Homes England, to deliver the Earlestown project and the regeneration of St Helens town centre in 2021.
A public consultation on the proposals will run from today until 6 December, when a reserved matters planning application will be submitted.
As well as the online consultation, there will be a series of drop-in events held throughout this time:
- Saturday 25 November – Earlestown Market – 9am – 12.30pm
- Monday 27 November – Cross Lane United Church – 4pm – 8pm
- Tuesday 28 November – Newton Community Centre – 3pm – 5pm
- Wednesday 29 November – Crownway Community Centre – 10am – 3pm
- Friday 1 December – Earlestown Market – 10.30am – 3pm
- Saturday 2 December – Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness – 10am – 3pm
Tom Ivinson, development manager at the English Cities Fund, said he is looking forward to showcasing the scheme across the borough over the next two weeks.
“Over recent months we have enjoyed productive discussions with community groups and traders in Earlestown as we’ve continued to develop detailed designs for the rejuvenation of the town centre.
“Earlestown has some truly enviable assets in its Market Square and the beautiful Town Hall, and our proposals represent a huge opportunity to enhance the town’s infrastructure and appearance to provide a better environment for traders and shoppers alike, encouraging more people to visit and spend more time in Earlestown.”
Looks a very well thought out and effective scheme. Very long time since I last visited.
By Rye&Eggs
When it happens it will be amazing that anything is being spent and attention given to this once self sufficient town. Not that long ago under the St.Helens umbrella thetown could not even afford Christmas decorations lights nor a tree. How grim and depressing was that. Less than third world. Alleluia bring it on.
By allan.reeve26@gmail.com
Well done St Helens Council, who seem to have the bit between their teeth. Just goes to show what having a plan and a bit of determination can achieve.
By Anonymous
Scheme is nice, visuals are shocking!
By Anonymous
Good news! The last time the market square was upgraded stalls were left standing all the time. Prior to that they’d been put away each Friday. Then, due to cars and vans parking between the rows of stalls every day it wasn’t very safe to walk across the square. I hope vehicles are banned from parking through the week. Thank you.
By Anonymous