The ambitious regeneration of St Helens town centre is moving into the construction preparation phase, with essential enabling works around Hall Street to pave the way for the new St Helens Transport Interchange.

Highway activity led by VINCI Building will install new drainage infrastructure for the interchange. To complete this stage safely, Hall Street will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic between Corporation Street and Bickerstaffe Street, while pedestrian access will be maintained throughout.

Works are scheduled from 8:00am to 5:00pm, starting on Monday 9 February 2026 and expected to conclude on Friday 24 April 2026. Signposted diversion routes will be provided, supported by a detailed traffic management plan designed to minimise disruption for road users and the local community.

A broader sequence of phased highway works is planned between February and July 2026. Before each phase begins, residents and businesses affected will receive further information outlining the timing and nature of the works.

Access for service and delivery vehicles to nearby businesses will continue during this period, as will routes used by heritage buses associated with the North West Museum of Road Transport. Pedestrian access along the eastern side of Hall Street will remain open for the duration of these scheduled works.

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council, said: "We are working hard to minimise the disruption to local businesses and residents, and working with VINCI Building we have compressed this stage of the project to the shortest time possible. We understand that road closures and construction work can be challenging for everyone, and we're doing everything we can to make this process as smooth as possible.

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"We ask people to bear with us - this is a once-in-a-generation project that has attracted significant investment and backing from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as well as central government. The scale of funding we've secured demonstrates the confidence that regional and national partners have in St Helens' future - one that will restore pride in our town centre and bring new jobs and opportunities for St Helens."

In tandem with the drainage activity, erection of the steel frames for the interchange buildings is due to begin, with the wider construction programme set to accelerate shortly afterwards.

The project, which received planning approval in July, will deliver a modern, accessible and sustainable gateway to the town centre. Key facilities include two fully enclosed, temperature-controlled concourses with generous waiting areas, a new Travel Centre, and accessible toilets featuring a Changing Places facility.

The design will provide 11 bus stands, an increase from the previous nine, with level boarding and automatic doors at each stand. Real-time passenger information for both buses and trains will be available, alongside secure cycle storage located next to new active travel links.

Sustainability and inclusivity are central to the scheme, with the use of recycled and locally sourced materials, solar panels, green roofs and landscaped planters to enhance biodiversity. Step-free access will be available throughout, complemented by digital and audio signage, adjustable lighting and acoustic treatments to improve comfort.

Enhancements to the surrounding public realm will strengthen connections to St Helens Central Rail Station and other key landmarks. A new civic square, improved lighting, CCTV and high-quality street furniture are planned to create a safe, welcoming and lively public space at the heart of the regeneration area.

Delivery is being led by VINCI Building, appointed as main contractor by St Helens Borough Council and ECF, a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse.

The interchange is backed by £32 million from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), in addition to £3.25 million from the UK Government’s Towns Fund and further contributions from St Helens Borough Council.

Beyond the interchange, phase one of the wider programme includes a new Market Hall, a 120-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, 56 apartments, eight townhouses and more than 4,000 sq ft of new, modern retail space. These will be set within extensive biodiversity-rich public areas designed to support pollinators, encourage native planting and improve climate resilience.

The overall town centre transformation is supported by a £69.2 million funding package from St Helens Borough Council, with additional backing 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.