Earlestown businesses and building owners invited to find out more about new Building Improvement Programme
Businesses and building owners with properties within the Earlestown Town Centre Conservation Area are invited to find out more about a new heritage focused Building Improvement Programme following the scheme's approval by the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board.
Article date: 20 August 2026
The Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board, which includes residents, business and community leaders, is overseeing the investment of £20million through Government's Pride in Place programme. The Board has approved an allocation of £1.2million for the Building Improvement Programme.
Through the programme, grant funding will be available to eligible property owners within the Earlestown Town Centre Conservation Area to undertake heritage-led repairs, restoration works and improvements to building frontages and shop fronts.
St Helens Borough Council have been appointed to manage the delivery of the programme and will work with the Neighbourhood Board, local businesses and building owners to maximise the benefits of the investment.
The project team are inviting local businesses and property owners to attend a drop-in session to learn more about the programme and register their interest. Two drop-in sessions will be held at Earlestown Ways to Work Centre, 30 Bridge Street, Earlestown, WA12 9BA:
- Thursday 27 August 2026, 12:00pm to 2:00pm
- Thursday 17 September 2026, 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
Chris Hickey, Chair of the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board said: "As a Board, we have undertaken extensive community consultation, and it is clear that our high streets and heritage are a top priority for local residents. This Business Improvement Scheme is a genuine example of listening to our community and developing investment plans for the things that matter most to them. I am excited to see the scheme get underway and I would urge as many businesses as possible to take the opportunity to attend a drop-in session and find out more about how they could benefit."
Councillor Jack Benyon, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Property and Planning at St Helens Borough Council said:"I am delighted to see the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board approve the funding for the Building Improvement Scheme. Our ongoing Earlestown regeneration programme is already delivering extensive public realm improvements and the restoration and enhancement of buildings within the area will further improve the appearance of the town centre, preserve its historic character and make it a more welcoming place for residents and visitors to enjoy."
David Baines MP, Member of Parliament for St Helens North said: "The £20million Pride in Place funding from this government is all about putting communities at the heart of investment to deliver meaningful, lasting change for local people. It is fantastic to see this programme approved by the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board and I'm really looking forward to seeing the continued improvement of Earlestown which will see it restored to its rightful place as a thriving market town."
The Building Improvement Programme will open for applications from spring 2027, following receipt of the second tranche of delivery funding for the Pride in Place Programme.