Key Points
- St Helens Borough Council has revealed CGIs of the proposed extension and internal refurbishment of the historic Gamble Building in Victoria Square.
- Plans include a new accessible entrance foyer, upgraded library, purpose-built archive, youth hub, Business Connect service, café, communal spaces and flexible offices.
- Enabling works are underway by Krol Corlett Construction, including asbestos removal and site preparation, following £1.408m Cabinet approval.
- A public engagement event is taking place today at the World of Glass to showcase the vision and gather feedback.
- The project advances to RIBA Stage 4 detailed design, with a planning application due early in the new year.
St Helens (Liverpool Standard) January 30, 2026 – St Helens Borough Council has unveiled computer-generated images illustrating its vision for restoring the Gamble Building, a landmark in Victoria Square that has been largely closed to the public in recent years.
The proposals, produced by architects Donald Insall Associates, emphasise heritage preservation alongside modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library described as the “living room” of St Helens. Enabling works have already begun on site, with around £1.2m previously spent on external repairs.
What does the Gamble Building vision include?
According to Place North West, the CGIs depict key features such as a fully accessible entrance foyer, environment-controlled archive facility, engaging youth hub, café and communal areas within the upgraded library, plus a Business Connect service and flexible office spaces on upper floors. St Helens Borough Council news confirms these elements, noting the building’s transformation into a welcoming community hub.
As reported by Councillor Richard McCauley of St Helens Borough Council, “It is fantastic to share these images offering an insight to our vision for the Gamble Building with residents and stakeholders.”
How is the restoration progressing?
St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet approved £1.408m in November 2025 to fund enabling works, including asbestos removal, stripping redundant equipment and preparing the site for main construction, as detailed in council announcements. Liverpool City Region-based Krol Corlett Construction is delivering these works, with the archive temporarily relocated to the World of Glass.
What public engagement is planned?
The public event at the World of Glass today allows residents to view the images, meet council representatives and architects, and provide feedback ahead of a planning submission. Councillor McCauley added: “We are very ambitious for the Gamble as we know how important it is to our town. We’re now excited to share our plans and vision.”
What are the next steps for the project?
The funding advances the scheme to RIBA Stage 4 for detailed design, cost assessment and delivery programme, enabling a planning application early next year. This aligns with broader town centre regeneration, including private sector interest in nearby heritage sites and improved public realm connections.
The Gamble Building restoration forms part of St Helens’ commitment to sustainable public use of its historic assets, with works set to create an inclusive facility at the heart of the reimagined town centre.
