'Very' local business appointed for Earlestown regeneration project

Article date: 8 June 2026

Located on Junction Lane, just a seven-minute walk from the Market Square site, the steelwork and architectural metalwork fabrication company is part of the team creating a new canopy for one of the oldest working markets in the country.

The canopy design is inspired by the nine arches of the Sankey Valley viaduct and will create a flexible space for the Market Square that gives market traders a bright, sheltered trading space and can also be used for hosting outdoor events.

Shawton Engineering employs around 100 people locally, including eight apprentices, at its large, dedicated facility on the Sankey Valley Industrial Estate. It is one of the few fabrication businesses that can undertake highly complex fabrication tasks and deliver products that meet stringent industry standards. As such, it specialises in large-scale projects and has worked on a number of the North West's best-known landmarks including the stunning Tower of Light in Manchester City Centre, and the Manchester City FC Etihad Stadium.

Construction Director Lee Critchley, of Shawton Engineering, said: "Shawton Engineering is involved in the structural steel frame that will house the new covered market on Earlestown Market Square. It's nice for us to be involved in such a local project, as we work all over the country, but we can literally walk over to Earlestown and see how the project is progressing."

Shawton Engineering is celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year. Lee, who started his own career at Shawton Engineering 20 years ago as an apprentice, explains how the company is committed to providing opportunities for young people.

"We advocate for apprentices; we currently have eight within the business at different stages of their career and approximately 50% of those have worked on the project directly on the shop floor, fabricating the steel work that is currently being erected on the market square. As local apprentices, it's great for them to be a part of it and to see not just the start, but the end of the project, with the site literally only being across the road from the office or their houses." 

The works are being carried out as part of a long-term regeneration programme being delivered by St Helens Borough Council and ECF - a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse - which aims to revitalise Earlstown's centre by restoring and modernising the Town Hall and improving the Market Square together with the wider public realm. The project has received £20m from the Government's Levelling Up Fund and £8m match funding from the council.

Lisa Harris, Executive Director of Place, St Helens Borough Council said: "It is fantastic to see the new look Market Square taking shape, particularly given the critical role that highly valued and specialist local businesses are playing in its delivery. The new canopy will be a real asset to the future success of the much-loved, historic market by elevating the local shopping experience during all seasons and also facilitating special events."

Matt Whiteley, Senior Development Manager at ECF, said: "We believe that local people should drive local change. By working with established businesses in the area, like Shawton Engineering, we ensure that investment being made in the area benefits the businesses around it, as well as the wider community."