Temporary road closures as St Helens town centre regeneration programme continues to progress
The next phase in the delivery of the ambitious transformation programme for St Helens town centre will see essential enabling works take place on a section of Corporation Street and along Library Street to support continued construction of the new St Helens Transport Interchange.
Article date: 23 April 2026
The highways work involves the installation of a new drainage system. To facilitate this critical phase of the project, a temporary closure to all vehicular traffic will be required on Corporation Street, between its junctions with Library Street and Hall Street, and on Library Street, between Bickerstaffe Street and its junction with Corporation Street, for the duration of the works. Pedestrian access along Corporation Street will be maintained at all times.
The works will take place between 8:00am and 5:00pm and are scheduled to commence on Monday 4 May 2026, with an expected completion date of Friday 22 January 2027. These dates are indicative and may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances and general works progression.
A wider programme of phased highway works will be undertaken between now and early 2027 and, prior to the commencement of each phase, further correspondence will be issued to affected residents and businesses, providing detailed information on the planned works.
Access for service and delivery vehicles to local businesses will be maintained throughout. Clear diversion routes will be in place throughout, and a traffic management plan has been carefully designed to keep disruption to a minimum.
The works are being delivered by VINCI Building, the main contractor appointed by St Helens Borough Council and ECF - a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse.
A spokesperson for St Helens Borough Council said: "Construction of the new St Helens Transport Interchange is now well underway, and these next phases of highway works mark a significant step forward in bringing this landmark project to life. While we recognise that temporary road closures on Corporation Street and Library Street will cause some inconvenience, we want to reassure residents, businesses and visitors that we are working closely with VINCI Building to keep disruption to a minimum and maintain access wherever possible.
"We will continue to keep the local community informed ahead of each new phase of works, and we are grateful for the patience and understanding people have shown as we deliver what will be a truly transformational new gateway for St Helens town centre."
The new St Helens Transport Interchange will provide a modern, accessible and sustainable gateway to the town centre. Key features include two fully enclosed, temperature-controlled concourses with spacious waiting areas, a new Travel Centre, and accessible toilets including a Changing Places facility.
The design will offer 11 bus stands, level boarding, automatic doors at each stand, real-time passenger information for both buses and trains, and secure cycle storage positioned next to new active travel links. The Interchange will prioritise sustainability with recycled and local materials, solar panels, green roofs and landscaped planters to boost biodiversity. It will also feature step-free access throughout, digital and audio signage, and adjustable lighting and acoustic panels.
Improvements to the surrounding public realm will create better connections with St Helens Central Rail Station and iconic town landmarks. A new civic square, enhanced lighting, CCTV and high-quality street furniture will create a vibrant, safe and welcoming public space at the heart of the regeneration.
The project is supported by £32 million in funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority via the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), alongside £3.25 million from the UK Government's Towns Fund and additional financial contributions from St Helens Borough Council.
Alongside the Interchange, the wider phase one development plans include a new Market Hall, a 120-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, 56 apartments, eight townhouses and over 4,000 sq ft of new modern retail space, all set within extensive biodiversity-rich public spaces.
The town centre transformation is backed by a £69.2 million funding package from St Helens Borough Council, with further support from the UK Government and ECF, including two Town Deal grants totalling £10.49 million and £812,000 from the One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund.