Robertson wins Gamble Building overhaul
With planning permission recently secured, the firm has been appointed as main contractor to redevelop the grade two-listed St Helens landmark.
Robertson has been awarded the design and build contract to restore and repurpose the prominent Victoria Square property, a project with the goal of making the Gamble Building “the town’s living room” – it will see St Helens Central Library brought back to the heart of the town centre, alongside an archive, youth hub, flex offices, community facilities and a café.
The largest intervention sees a contemporary extension to the rear of the property, to provide an accessible new entrance and strengthen links to the new St Helens transport interchange, currently on site.
The extension will connect directly to the new Gamble Plaza and St Helens’ wider phase one town centre regeneration programme.
Project partners include project management consultant AtkinsRéalis and architect Donald Insall. Consultation was carried out erly this year, with planning permission secured a few weeks ago.
Cllr Jack Benyon, portfolio holder for regeneration, property and planning at St Helens Council, said: “This is an important step forward for the iconic building in the heart of St Helens town centre, which we know residents are keen to see restored to its former glory as the home of St Helens Central Library and so much more.
“We welcome the appointment of Robertson as the contractor for this beloved building who were successful after a very competitive tender process. Robertson has its regional office based in Haydock so the team there understand the importance of The Gamble Building in the borough. We believe they will not just deliver a revitalised landmark for us but also play a part in supporting the wider community through their social value projects and support for local businesses.”
A Levelling Up Fund bid to support the project failed, but other sources have been tapped, with St Helens securing £290,000 from the government’s Libraries Improvement Fund in April.
Robertson is currently working under a pre-construction services agreement, with the full contract value of the project yet to be determined.
Paul Coyle, regional managing director, Robertson Construction North West, said: “Drawing on our experience of restoring and repurposing heritage buildings, we look forward to partnering closely with St Helens Borough Council and delivering its vision for the Gamble Building.
“We will transform the building into a modern, welcoming space for people from near and far, while protecting and celebrating its unique architectural heritage. As a regional contractor, we will also work with our local supply chain and the local community to deliver real social and economic benefits that will be felt both during and long after construction.”
The Gamble Building was closed to the public due to structural issues and has already benefited from around £1.2m of essential external repair works, including improvements to roofing and drainage systems, new windows and brickwork repairs.
The building was built in 1896 with funding from Sir David Gamble, St Helens’ first borough mayor.
