Local students' artwork showcased in St Helens town centre in new project
New artwork created by students at St Helens College has been unveiled on visual site hoardings on Corporation Street in St Helens town centre. The artwork has been created as part of a project called "What it means to us" inspired by the regeneration of St Helens town centre.
Article date: 9th February 2026
St Helens Borough Council and ECF - a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse - are delivering a scheme centred around a stunning new market hall, flanked by a mixed-use area including a 120-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, 56 apartments, eight townhouses, and 4,266 sq ft of modern retail space.
The project team at St Helens Borough Council have worked with L3 and Honours Degree students in the Arts, Graphic Design and Media departments at St Helens College to develop the project as part of a commitment to ensuring that young people and adults are equipped with the skills to access and benefit from opportunities linked to regeneration and new developments.
The artwork is displayed on hoardings as construction work continues at the town centre site. The striking visuals have been manufactured and installed by St Helens based Widd Signs who employ 28 people locally from its 28,000 sq ft factory on Reginald Road Industrial Estate.
To mark the installation of the artwork photographer Angela Wilkinson, who is based in St Helens town centre, was commissioned to produce a series of portraits of the students who have taken part in the project.
Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council, said: "The regeneration of St Helens town centre is not just about new buildings it is about providing opportunities for our residents and a place they can be proud to call home now and for future generations. It is fantastic to have worked with young people in our Borough and to discover what they love about St Helens, their hopes for the future and to celebrate the talent we have right here in our community."
Angela Wilkinson said: "As a local artist it is exciting to see the work of the next generation of creatives being displayed so prominently within the town centre. It was a pleasure to meet some of the students and help to showcase their work further."
Ian Greenall, Head of School for Creative & Performing Arts at St Helens College said: "It has been a privilege for our students to work on a real-world project, and for their work to be displayed for residents and visitors to St Helens town centre to enjoy. This project has provided a real opportunity for them to develop their creative skills and to feel part of the transformation of our town centre."
Daryn Ashcroft, L4 Graphic Design student at St Helens College said: "The hoardings artwork is my first project in this academic journey and having it displayed in my hometown is both an honour and a privilege."