Planning permission has been officially granted for a cutting-edge transport interchange in the heart of St Helens town centre.

The St Helens Interchange will deliver a significant upgrade for bus passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, transforming the travel experience and creating a prominent green gateway to the revitalised town centre.

Delivered through a partnership between St Helens Borough Council and ECF — a joint venture comprising Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse — the £35 million scheme is supported by funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (£32 million) and the UK Government’s Towns Fund (£3.25 million), alongside contributions from the council. VINCI Building has been appointed as the principal contractor.

The new interchange will feature 11 bus stands (up from nine), two fully enclosed and temperature-controlled concourses, a Travel Centre, and accessible toilets including a Changing Places facility. Passengers will benefit from level boarding, automatic doors at each departure stand, and real-time information displays for both buses and trains.

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Designed with sustainability at its core, the facility will use recycled, natural, and local materials, include solar panels on the roof, green roofs on the pods, and landscaped planters to enhance biodiversity. Accessibility is also a key priority, with step-free access, digital and audio signage, adjustable lighting and acoustic panels to ensure comfort for all users.

The Interchange will be seamlessly integrated into the surrounding town centre with improved public realm works connecting it to St Helens Central Rail Station, the Gamble Building, Theatre Royal, and the soon-to-be-built Hampton by Hilton hotel. A new civic square, enhanced lighting, CCTV and quality street furniture will complete the transformation of the area.

The former bus station has already been demolished, with a temporary bus hub in operation since May. The next stage will focus on foundational and drainage works, with steel structures expected to begin rising early in 2026.

The planning approval follows extensive public consultation held in 2024, which showed overwhelming support for the scheme. The final design incorporates public feedback and includes secure cycle parking and direct access to active travel routes.

Completion of the new Interchange is scheduled for 2026, aligning with the rollout of the first franchised bus services in St Helens. The new transport network will offer more control over fares, routes, and timetables, with full city region coverage expected by the end of 2027.

Alongside the Interchange, the first phase of broader town centre redevelopment will also deliver a new Market Hall, 120-room hotel, 57 apartments, eight townhouses, and more than 4,000 square feet of modern retail space. These new additions will be set within vibrant, climate-resilient public areas designed to support biodiversity and sustainable urban living.