Full Steam Ahead for Earlestown Rail Station Project
Major improvements to Earlestown Rail Station will be progressed to the design stage thanks to the appointment of a contractor to carry out the works.
Article date: 14 April 2026
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (acting as Delivery Partner for St Helens Borough Council) has awarded the contract to Merseyrail, who will kick start the next stage of the Earlestown Rail Station improvement project.
The funding is part of the £20million Earlestown Town Centre Levelling Up Fund Round 2 that was secured by St Helens Borough Council in 2023.
The Earlestown Rail Station project consists of three key work packages:
- The repair and restoration of the Grade II listed station building
- Landscaping works to improve the immediate surroundings of the station
- General station improvements such as CCTV and lighting.
In addition to the Earlestown Rail Station improvement project, and as part of the Mayor Rotheram's commitment to making all stations accessible by 2030, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has committed to start the outline and detailed design for the implementation of lifts on Platforms 1, 2, 4 and 5.
These designs will ensure that the installation of step-free access from pavements to platforms complements the wider project works and will be developed in parallel to ensure full compatibility.
These two projects are part of and will complement the wider Earlestown Town Centre regeneration programme whereby the much-loved Grade II listed Earlestown Town Hall is being brought back into use with the full internal refurbishment and building extension now underway. Works have also commenced to transform the historic Market Square, featuring a new permanent market canopy, with wider public realm improvements across the town centre.
Lisa Harris, Executive Director of Place St Helens Borough Council said:
"Earlestown Station has one of the oldest railway passenger buildings in the world and this project will ensure we preserve this important heritage asset while providing modern, inclusive facilities fit for the future. Our ambition is to create a thriving, well connected town centre that honours our heritage and looks to the future with confidence so that residents, businesses and visitors can be proud and have access to opportunities locally and in the wider region."
Jamie Ross, Director of Transport at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority:
"We're pleased to see the Earlestown Station improvement project moving into its next phase of delivery. These works will help enhance the experience for passengers and ensure the station continues to serve the community well.
"As well as upgrading key facilities, the project will preserve important elements of the station's heritage. This approach allows us to support modern transport needs while recognising the site's significant place in our railway history."
The Earlestown Rail Station project will now enter the design development stage with activity commencing in Summer 2026.