Key Points
- St Helens Council approves first phase of £100m town centre regeneration by ECF joint venture, including 120-bed hotel, over 60 homes, and retail space.
- £69.7m council investment committed to phase one, replacing former Hardshaw Centre with market hall, transport interchange, and green spaces.
- Construction begins in 2026 by VINCI, expected to create nearly 500 jobs and achieve over 1,000% biodiversity net gain.
- Project boosts local economy, property values, and sustainability, with materials recycling up to 98% and family-friendly features.
St Helens (Liverpool Standard) January 31, 2026 – A major regeneration project has received the green light, signalling St Helens’ revival with a £100m overhaul of its town centre led by ECF and the local council.
The ambitious scheme replaces the derelict Hardshaw Centre with a vibrant central district featuring a new market hall, 120-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, 56 apartments, eight townhouses, and 4,266 sq ft of retail space, all integrated with enhanced public realm and transport links.
What Has Been Approved for St Helens Town Centre?
St Helens Borough Council and ECF, a partnership of Muse, Legal & General, and Homes England, secured planning consent for the first phase of the 24-acre masterplan, approved in outline back in 2023. According to Place North West, this phase carries a gross development value of £23.2m and paves the way for VINCI to commence construction on the reimagined Hardshaw Centre site.
As reported by St Helens Borough Council, the council committed £69.7m in historic investment, supplemented by £7.2m from the Town Deal, to accelerate delivery of striking new buildings, community spaces, and climate-resilient landscaping adjoining the St Helens Transport Interchange.
How Will This Regeneration Transform the Area?
Cllr Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Council, described the approval as a defining moment, stating it will create a place reflecting local identity and heritage while fostering innovation, jobs, apprenticeships, and greener streets to improve quality of life.
What Features Boost Sustainability and Community?
The scheme emphasises sustainability with low-carbon techniques like exposed structural timber in the market hall, pollinator-friendly planting, and biodiversity enhancements delivering over 1,000% net gain, alongside play equipment and public art for family appeal, as detailed in council announcements.
What Economic Impact Lies Ahead?
Phil Mayall, Director at ECF, highlighted the project’s ambition to deliver a sustainable town centre for businesses, shoppers, and residents, with VINCI’s involvement ensuring social impact through local supply chains and opportunities. Early construction in January 2026 on the market hall and transport links is already lifting property values in WA10 and WA9 postcodes, drawing footfall and confidence to the area.
Nearly 500 jobs are forecast from phase one, supporting broader economic growth amid the town’s cultural venues, businesses, and sports communities, positioning St Helens as a thriving destination.
