"You Said, We Delivered": Next phase of Cowley Hill connectivity and safety improvements moves forward

Article date: 22 October 2025

Proposals for further connectivity and road safety improvements in the Cowley Hill area are progressing as part of a pioneering community-led project.

The latest plans build on earlier work shaped by extensive community engagement in 2023. St Helens Borough Council, in partnership with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA), invited residents to "reimagine" their streets as part of the By Ours Cowley Hill Liveable Neighbourhood Project.

Since then, the area has benefitted - in direct response to residents' feedback - from a new green pocket park, a tree lined footpath and cycleway through Bishop Road Playing Fields, numerous traffic-calming measures, accessibility upgrades, and new safety features for people walking and wheeling, including a signalised puffin crossing on Duke Street.

A total of £280,000 of capital funding has now been secured via the LCRCA and Active Travel England for Phase 2 of the Cowley Hill Liveable Neighbourhood. This phase will deliver junction upgrades and a new controlled crossing to enhance safety and connectivity between parks, schools, and public transport.

Planned improvements include:

• Bishop Road / Gamble Avenue / Cowley Hill Lane: The junction will be significantly reduced in size to enable safer, more accessible crossings on a key route to local schools and parks. Traffic-calming measures will also help reduce vehicle speeds.
• North Road: A new controlled crossing is proposed between Rutland Street and Oldfield Street to improve safety along this busy corridor. This location will support the upcoming Cowley Hill Works development, which will deliver 1,100 new homes. The crossing will strengthen connections to the local park, day nursery, church, and bus stops.

Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth, said:

"This project is a shining example of local voices shaping real change. Residents told us they wanted safer crossings, calmer streets, and better links to parks and schools - and we're delivering exactly that. Through this collaborative approach, residents are helping us to create a healthier, more connected neighbourhood for everyone."

The council will continue to share the current Phase 2 proposals and invite further feedback through local community groups, schools, and public events.

Letters have been sent to properties facing the proposed improvement areas (Gamble Avenue/Bishop Road and North Road), providing details on how residents can engage directly with council officers about the proposals.

While final designs and engagement activities are ongoing, a draft construction programme is being developed. Subject to approvals, the works are expected to begin in early 2026.

For more information about the By Ours Cowley Hill Neighbourhood project and other active travel schemes, visit https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/activetravel.