Site clearance works begin as part of Earlestown transformation
The latest phase of work to transform the heart of Earlestown will begin this week, with street furniture in Market Square and Market Street being removed and repositioned to make way for a temporary market area.
Article date: 30 October 2025
The landmark regeneration programme 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.
Street furniture, including benches and bins, will be carefully removed or relocated by the scheme's lead contractor, Eric Wright Group, to facilitate the delivery of the temporary market on Market Street.
Trees located within Market Square will also be removed next week by specialist contractor CJM Treecare. Further tree removals within the wider public realm will take place at a later stage in line with the approved construction programme.
As part of the overall regeneration plans, the completed scheme will introduce new, high-quality benches, planters, and street furniture throughout the town centre, alongside extensive tree planting and landscaping designed to create an attractive, welcoming, and accessible environment.
Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning at St Helens Borough Council, said: "The removal and reorientation of street furniture is another small but important step in delivering the transformation of Earlestown town centre.
"These early works will make space for the temporary provision that will allow our historic market to continue trading while construction progresses. Once the new Market Square and surrounding streets are complete, residents and visitors will enjoy a greener, more vibrant, and accessible town centre."
Under the approved plans, Earlestown's traditional Market Square will be enhanced and upgraded into a stunning multi-use public square to support and grow the town's historic market long into the future.
The market will be equipped with a new permanent canopy inspired by the landmark Sankey Viaduct, providing high-quality, sheltered trading space and the flexibility to host markets and other public events all year round.
In addition, the core town centre streets will be upgraded to create a public realm befitting a historic market town and encouraging footfall between the rail station and retail heart with opportunities will be created for alfresco pavement licences to support businesses.
David Baines MP, Member of Parliament for St Helens North, said: "The regeneration of Earlestown is about restoring pride and purpose to a town with a rich heritage and huge potential.
"This next phase of works marks another important step towards delivering the modern, attractive, and vibrant town centre that local people deserve - one that celebrates our proud history while creating new opportunities for the future.
"With support from the Government's Levelling Up Fund and our partners at ECF, we're making real progress in transforming Earlestown into a place where people, visitors, and businesses can thrive."
Matt Whiteley, Senior Project Manager at ECF, said:"We're pleased to see another milestone in the delivery of Earlestown's regeneration. These enabling works will ensure the market can continue to operate throughout construction, while also paving the way for the creation of high-quality public spaces that reflect the town's proud heritage and exciting future."