Exciting vision for St Helens Transport Interchange brought to life
A new computer-generated animation has been released, providing a detailed look inside the state-of-the-art St Helens Transport Interchange being created in the heart of the town centre.
Article date: 14 January 2026
The new facility is being delivered by St Helens Borough Council and ECF, a partnership comprising Homes England, L&G, and Muse.
The project, which is being supported by £32 million in funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, will improve and upgrade the travel experience for bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians, creating a welcoming and prominent green gateway to the revitalised town centre.
The videos can be accessed here:
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Key features of the scheme include two fully enclosed, temperature-controlled concourses with warm, spacious waiting areas, a new Travel Centre, and accessible toilets including a Changing Places facility. The design incorporates 11 bus stands (up from the previous nine), level boarding, automatic doors at each departure stand, and screens featuring real-time information for both buses and trains.
The St Helens Transport Interchange also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and accessibility. The facility will use recycled, natural and local materials together with solar panels on the main roof and green roofs on each pod building, and it will feature extensive landscaped planters to boost biodiversity. Additional accessibility measures include step-free access throughout, clear signage (digital and audio), high-quality adjustable lighting, and acoustic panels for a more comfortable environment.
Extensive improvements to the surrounding public realm will better connect the St Helens Interchange to St Helens Central Rail Station and iconic landmarks such as the Gamble Building, Theatre Royal, and the forthcoming Hampton by Hilton hotel. A stunning new civic square, enhanced lighting, improved CCTV, and high-quality street furniture will create a vibrant and secure public space.
The new transport interchange is also being delivered with £3.25 million of additional from the UK Government's Towns Fund as well as further financial contributions from St Helens Borough Council. VINCI Building has been appointed as the principal contractor for the scheme.
Beginning in Autumn 2026, St Helens will be one of the first parts of the Liverpool City Region to see the introduction of new franchised bus services, which will mean greater local control of fares, timetables and route.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "This new interchange shows how we're using devolved funding to deliver real improvements people can see and feel in their everyday lives. By raising the standard of public transport infrastructure in St Helens, we're making it easier for people to get around, supporting the regeneration of the town centre and creating the modern facilities residents and visitors deserve."
Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, said: "We're not just building a new transport interchange - we're creating a welcoming gateway that reflects our ambitions for St Helens town centre. The animation shows a facility that will represent a huge step forward, with better connections, sustainable design, and improved accessibility, this facility will serve our residents for generations to come while supporting the wider regeneration of our town centre."
Matt Whiteley, Senior Development Manager at ECF, said:"Perception and first impressions matter for every town and city and the animation provides a good sense of this vastly upgraded facility and its attractive public realm in the heart of St Helens. With better walking routes, enhanced public spaces, and extensive use of sustainable materials including solar panels and green roofs, the Interchange will be a key part of the town's greener, more connected future."
In addition to the new Interchange, the wider Phase One development plans include a new Market Hall, 120-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, 57 apartments, eight townhouses, and 4,266 sq ft of new modern retail. These will all be set within extensive, biodiversity-rich public spaces designed to support pollinators, native planting, and climate resilience.
The town centre transformation is backed by a £69.2 million funding package from St Helens Borough Council, with further support from the UK Government and ECF. This includes two Town Deal grants totalling £10.49 million and £812,000 from the One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund to enable sustainable residential development.