The next phase of work to deliver a state-of-the-art transport interchange in St Helens town centre is underway, with specialist machinery now on site to carry out ground improvement and remediation works ahead of main construction.

Main contractor VINCI Building has appointed a specialist firm to complete the ground stabilisation on behalf of St Helens Borough Council and ECF – a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse.

Grouting rigs are currently operating on the site to drill and, where required, fill disused and fractured coal seams. The work will stabilise the ground and reduce any risk of future movement, providing a secure foundation for the new interchange buildings.

The preparatory works acknowledge St Helens’ industrial heritage, where centuries of coal mining once shaped the landscape. Modern techniques are being used to manage this legacy safely and ensure the new infrastructure is built to last.

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The £35 million St Helens Transport Interchange will transform local travel, offering a modern and accessible hub for bus passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The scheme includes 11 bus stands (an increase from nine), a fully enclosed, temperature-controlled concourse with warm waiting areas, real-time travel information for both buses and trains, and step-free access throughout.

Additional features will include a new Travel Centre, accessible toilets with a Changing Places facility, and secure indoor and outdoor cycle parking with improved wayfinding.

The project will also upgrade the surrounding public realm to better connect the interchange with St Helens Central Rail Station and key landmarks such as the Gamble Building, Theatre Royal, and the forthcoming Hampton by Hilton hotel. A new civic square, enhanced lighting, and high-quality street furniture will help create a welcoming and vibrant public space.

Funded through £32 million from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority via the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), alongside £3.25 million from the Government’s Towns Fund and contributions from St Helens Borough Council, the scheme aims to deliver a cleaner, greener, and better-connected transport system at the heart of the town’s regeneration.