Bold vision for a thriving St Helens town centre moves ahead
St Helens' landmark town centre regeneration scheme has taken another huge step forward today with the granting of reserved matters planning consent for Phase One development proposals - paving the way for construction work to begin on an ambitious transformation.
Article date: September 3rd 2025
Covering 24 acres at the heart the borough, Phase One of the project will replace the former Hardshaw Shopping Centre with a reimagined central district featuring striking new buildings, community spaces, and climate resilient landscaping.
The once in a generation investment is being driven by St Helens Borough Council in partnership with ECF - a partnership between Homes England, L&G, and Muse.
Demolition and enabling works for the projects have been advancing throughout this year. The consent for the Phase One scheme includes a modern Market Hall, a 120bed Hampton by Hilton hotel, 56 apartments, eight townhouses, and 4,266 sq ft of modern format retail space. These will all sit within richly landscaped areas designed to boost biodiversity, with pollinator friendly planting, extensive greenery, and improved walking, cycling and wheeling routes. The scheme will deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain of more than 1,000% and feature play equipment and public art to create a family friendly town centre.
Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Borough 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, this development will improve quality of life for residents."
Matt Whiteley, Senior Project Manager at ECF, added: "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 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 redevelopment also supports the council's Inclusive Growth Strategy, with Phase One expected to generate 485 new jobs and £23.2 million in annual Gross Value Added (GVA).
Backed by a £69.2 million funding package from the council, the project also benefits from UK Government support, including £7.24 million for the Phase One of the development through the Town Deal and £0.812 million from the One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund to enable new housing.
The main contractor VINCI Building will now press on with the construction phase.
The project is closely linked to the new St Helens Transport Interchange, which gained planning consent in July. Delivered with financial support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's £710m City Region Transport Settlement, and a further £3.25 million from Town Deal, the interchange will provide a modern, welcoming gateway for bus passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Together, these landmark investments will create a revitalised, greener, and more connected St Helens - shaping the future of the town for generations to come.