Exploring plans for new green corridor along former rail line
St Helens Borough Council is developing proposals to bring the former Sutton Oak Rail Line back into use, initially as a green corridor but with the potential for rail or other transport use in future - with the initiative named the Sutton Oak Link.
Article date: 8 December 2025
A recent feasibility study commissioned by the Council has identified significant potential and a strong business case to reimagine the historic route as a people-focused movement corridor that connects existing and new communities along the link.
Using this historic infrastructure from the borough's rich industrial heritage as a modern transport route could unlock major benefits and brings yet more positive news for the area which was recently awarded £20m Pride in Place funding from the Government.
The scheme could:
- Reconnect communities and destinations between St Helens Central and Junction stations, including the Moss Nook housing development in Sutton, St Helens Hospital and The Brewdog Stadium.
- Provide a safe and inclusive travel corridor for walking, cycling and wheeling.
- Create attractive new green spaces for leisure use and improve biodiversity while reducing anti-social behaviour.
- Promote healthier lifestyles and travel choices, helping to ease long-standing congestion pinch points on the nearby road network.
- Rationalise and improve the bridges along the line.
Importantly, the feasibility study confirms that progressing the initial Sutton Oak Link proposition would not rule out the potential for future reinstatement of passenger rail services with further work required to weigh the benefits, costs and challenges of a range of options.
The Sutton Oak Rail Line formed part of the St Helens and Runcorn Gap Railway, which opened on 21 February 1833 to transport coal from St Helens to the River Mersey. It later supported passenger services between St Helens Central and St Helens Junction.
While regular passenger operations ceased in 1951, the line remained in use for freight and occasional diverted passenger services until 1987, with the final freight train running in September 2002. Today the corridor is inaccessible, creating a physical divide between communities and a negative environment due to overgrowth, littering and anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth, said:
"The emerging Sutton Oak Link scheme presents a transformational opportunity to create a safe, attractive and accessible movement corridor that links our neighbourhoods and breathes new life into this historic route. By opening up this space, we could deliver real benefits for investment, the environment and our communities."
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has identified the scheme as a priority for phased investment through its new £1.6bn Transport for City Region (TCR) Fund, secured in June and confirmed by the Chancellor ahead of this year's Spending Review.
Funding is expected to be available from 2026 to support early-stage design, planning and further business case development.
The Council will now progress a detailed and multi-stage development process, including structural assessments, design development and community engagement, before submitting a full business case.
Councillor Groucutt added:
"This scheme shows how we can lead the way in reimagining our historic infrastructure for the future. The Sutton Oak Link could become a flagship example of how modern transport, heritage, the environment and community wellbeing can go hand in hand."