Cabinet approves sale of Lincoln House to facilitate major new Police Hub in St Helens town centre

Article date: 02 September 2026

The proposal derives from Merseyside Police's 12-year Estate Strategy (published in 2023), which identified the need for a new Police Hub in St Helens to meet the needs of modern policing.

Following a feasibility study commissioned by Merseyside Police, the purchase of Lincoln House and part of the adjoining Birchley Street Car Park, both owned by the Council, has been identified as the best option to progress the development of a new Police Hub. 

The proposal also enables the Council to acquire the current College Street Police Station site (following the completion of the new Police Hub) to replace the public car parking facilities at Birchley Street Car Park.

Cabinet has approved the provisionally agreed terms for the disposal of Lincoln House and adjoining land and the strategic acquisition of the land at College Street. Authorisation has also been granted to prepare and execute the necessary legal documentation.

Councillor Jack Benyon, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Property and Planning at St Helens Borough Council said: "The safety of our residents and visitors to the Borough is of the utmost importance and working with regional partners like the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure that the police can develop modern, fit for purpose facilities which are in line with their strategy is an important part of keeping our communities safe now and in the future.

"As a Council, it is also important that we regularly review assets within our ownership to ensure that they are delivering benefits for our residents and providing value for money. In the case of Lincoln House, which is now vacant and is not required for council services, we must maximise the outcomes of any strategic disposals in accordance with our own Corporate Asset Strategy and Asset Management Plan.

"This proposal will generate a capital income for the Council and support the redevelopment of a key town centre site by a strategic partner, which will complement our significant St Helens town centre regeneration investment ."

Following approval, the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner will look to submit a full planning application, with a current anticipated start on site in late 2028.