Plans for the £100m transformation of a Liverpool city region town centre are being revised to include more green space. Tony McDonough reports

£100m plans to regenerate St Helens town centre are being amended to include more green space.

Work has started on the project that will see the area transformed. Phase one includes a new market hall, 120-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, 57 apartments, eight townhouses, extended transport interchange and 4,266 sq ft of retail space.

As part of the phase one reserved matters planning application – currently under consideration, with a final decision expected this summer – the scheme has undergone a series of design refinements that prioritise environmental and community benefits.

Led by St Helens Council in partnership with ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, L&G, and Muse – the revised plans unlock additional green space through a more efficient residential layout.

Instead of two blocks with 56 apartments, the scheme now proposes a single L-shaped building with 57 apartments. This design evolution reduces the development footprint and increases access to landscaped areas for residents and visitors alike.

A play area for families visiting the town centre will also be located within a newly landscaped public realm beside the steps of the new market hall. Details of its design will be revealed in due course.

Matt Whiteley, senior development manager at ECF, said: “Sustainability is embedded in every decision – from refining the residential layouts to maximise open space and biodiversity, to recycling demolition materials for re-use on site and using low-carbon materials. 

“This project has been shaped to deliver long-term environmental, social, and economic value for St Helens.”

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The project is backed by a £69.2m funding package from St Helens Council, with further support from the UK Government and ECF. It includes two Town Deal grants totalling £10.49m and £812,000 from the One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund.

Cllr Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, added: “We’re delivering a town centre that’s not only more attractive, but more family-friendly and one that leads the way in sustainable regeneration.”