Planning Committee approves application for the Gamble Building Creative & Learning Hub Project

Article date: 2 September 2026

The planning application, submitted by St Helens Borough Council, sets out plans to bring St Helens Central Library back into the building as a modern and interactive facility, together with provision of new state-of-the-art Archive and Youth Hub facilities, as well modern office workspaces and communal spaces that include a café.

The proposals will also see the addition of a contemporary extension on the rear of the building, which is complementary to the heritage asset and shall provide a new fully accessible entrance. The iconic frontage of the Gamble Building on Victoria Square will be unaltered.

The new extension will create a stronger connection with the soon to be completed St Helens Transport Interchange, providing a welcoming entrance linking directly to the newly created Gamble Plaza and the wider Phase 1 town centre regeneration area.

Councillor Jack Benyon, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Property and Planning at St Helens Borough Council said: "I am pleased that Planning Committee has approved the planning application proposals for the Gamble Building. This historic landmark sits at the heart of our town centre and, as a Council, we remain committed to bringing this much-loved heritage building back into use for the people of St Helens Borough.

"It is important that the building is accessible to all of our residents and the addition of a contemporary extension allows us to meet current regulatory standards while protecting the prominent historic façades of the building."

The Gamble Building, which was closed to the public due to structural issues, has already undergone around £1.2m of external repair works that included improvements to the roofing and drainage systems, the installation of new windows, and extensive restoration of the heritage brickwork and terracotta features.

Essential internal enabling works have also been completed by Liverpool City Region based Kroll Corlett including, asbestos removal, removal of redundant equipment and outdated facilities, and the stripping of flooring and false ceilings to prepare the site for main works.

Following the positive Planning Committee outcome, the Gamble Building Creative & Learning Hub Project will now progress to RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) and further progress updates will be provided in the coming months.

To find out more about the Gamble Building Creative & Learning Hub Project visit Explaining our vision for the Gamble Building - St Helens Borough Council