Earlestown to welcome new trees as part of town centre transformation
ECF and St Helens Borough Council have revealed plans to plant new trees in Earlestown as part of their transformational vision for the town centre.
Article date: 9 October
The landmark regeneration programme is being brought forward by St Helens Borough Council and ECF - a partnership of Homes England, L&G and Muse - and supported by £20m from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, alongside £8m match funding from the council.
As part of the early-stage construction works for the Market Square and public realm elements, several trees will need to be removed to facilitate the regeneration programme, including support for the temporary market arrangements as construction work progresses.
Subsequent planting will then take place at a ratio of approximately 3:1 between the number of new trees and those being removed. The new plans for Earlestown also feature the inclusion of extensive landscaping areas and rainwater gardens in Market Square, delivering significant net gains for biodiversity.
The tree removal will be delivered by Wigan-based CJM Treecare and undertaken as an integral part of the construction programme that will be delivered by the Eric Wright Group as the main contractor.
Permission for the felling of trees in Market Square was granted via the Reserved Matters planning application and site notices will be issued for the street trees marked for removal along Market Street.
Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council, said: "The planting of new additional and replacement trees in Earlestown is an important aspect of the work we are undertaking to revitalise our town.
"Our replanting ratio of 3:1 reflects the importance of having more trees in Earlestown and greening the environment more widely. These are essential tools in fighting climate change and helping to create a better environment for the people of Earlestown and the animals and wildlife in our community."
Under the approved plans, Earlestown's traditional market square will be enhanced and upgraded into a stunning multi-use public square to support and grow the town's historic market long into the future.
The market will be equipped with a new permanent canopy inspired by the landmark Sankey Viaduct, providing high-quality, sheltered trading space and the flexibility to host markets and other public events all year round.
In addition, the core town centre streets will be upgraded to create a public realm befitting a historic market town and encouraging footfall between the rail station and retail heart. In addition to the planting of street trees and provision of new street furniture, opportunities will be created for alfresco pavement licences to support businesses.