Earlestown regeneration moves ahead as work set to begin on site

Article date: 22nd September

The landmark regeneration is being brought forward by St Helens Borough Council and ECF - a partnership of Homes England, L&G and Muse - and supported by £20m from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, alongside £8m match funding from the council.

The improvements will see Earlestown's historic Market Square enhanced into a high-quality, flexible public space designed to support the town for generations to come. A new permanent canopy, inspired by the nine arches of the Sankey Viaduct, will provide sheltered trading areas while also creating a venue that can host a wide variety of public events year-round.

The project is part 20-year regeneration plan being delivered by ECF in partnership with St Helens Borough Council, creating successful and sustainable town centres in Earlestown and St Helens.

Eric Wright are carrying out surveys and trial holes - small excavations further assessing ground conditions before building work begins - and will also remove some street furniture and trees and preparing the Market Chambers building to be used as site accommodation facilities during the construction period. These activities will pave the way for the main construction works.

Eric Wright has appointed a dedicated Public Liaison Officer who will be on site and work closely with market traders, businesses and local residents to ensure regular and clear communication throughout the project.

Elsewhere as part of the project, HH Smith & Sons is already on site at the Grade II listed Earlestown Town Hall, as the main contractor for the extension and complete internal refurbishment of the much-loved historic landmark site, with works scheduled to be complete by Summer 2026

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council, said:"Seeing Eric Wright on site this summer is a huge milestone for Earlestown. The preparatory works mark the beginning of visible progress that will lead to a transformed Market Square, ensuring we have the right foundations in place to deliver this ambitious project smoothly and effectively."

Matt Whiteley, Senior Development Manager at ECF, added: "The works getting underway at the Market Square show real progress in our regeneration plans. We're very excited to be able to deliver this stage of the project, which is an important step in allowing us to prepare properly and deliver long-term, sustainable regeneration that the town deserves."

Paul Corner, Senior Project Manager for Eric Wright Group said:"We are pleased to be able to commence the pre-construction works which is a great start in getting the project off the ground. We look forward to working closely with the community and all parties involved as the finer project details are progressed and the project gets off the ground."

David Baines MP, Member of Parliament for St Helens North, said:"St Helens Council, with the support of Government, has shown huge ambition for Earlestown town centre. Seeing the pre-commencement works on site is a major step forward in realising the ambition of returning this historic town to its rightful status as a thriving market town."