The transformation of St Helens town centre is picking up pace, with preparations well underway for the next phase of regeneration. Upcoming works at the Hardshaw Centre and bus station sites will pave the way for their safe and carefully managed demolition, marking another major milestone in this ambitious project.
Construction teams have now begun precision cutting around the former Hardshaw Centre car park, setting the stage for the phased demolition of the main building this summer.
To ensure these works are carried out safely and efficiently, a number of temporary traffic management measures will be introduced:
- A temporary one-way system (southbound only) on Hall Street, from Bickerstaffe Street to George Street.
- The permanent closure to vehicles of part of Bickerstaffe Street (between Hall Street and Library Street), adjacent to the bus station and surrounding vacant buildings.
- A temporary suspension of the pedestrian zone (Bus Gate) on Bickerstaffe Street near Victoria Square, allowing two-way vehicle access to private car parks and service areas behind Century House and on Claughton Street.
VINCI Building, the lead contractor for Phase One of the regeneration, is managing the works and is committed to minimising disruption. Additional hoardings will be installed to secure the site and ensure public safety throughout the process.
Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning at St Helens Borough Council, said:
“Transforming St Helens into a more welcoming, people-friendly town centre with vibrant public spaces and fantastic new facilities does require some big changes. We understand this may cause some short-term inconvenience, and we truly appreciate everyone’s patience and support. Our teams are working hard to keep disruption to a minimum, with clear signage in place to help guide town centre users through the temporary changes.”
The main demolition will take place in three phases from June to September 2025, progressing from Church Square towards Bickerstaffe Street. Sustainability is a key focus, with environmentally friendly practices such as dust suppression and ambitious recycling and reuse targets. Most concrete and masonry will be repurposed on-site to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Once demolition is complete, the site will be ready for construction to begin in the autumn. This next chapter will bring to life a new, expanded Transport Interchange, a modern Market Hall, a 120-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, 64 high-quality homes, and 11,000 sq ft of contemporary retail space—all set within beautifully designed, green public areas that will make the town centre more connected, vibrant, and inviting.
This exciting regeneration is being delivered by St Helens Borough Council and ECF—a national partnership between Homes England, L&G, and Muse—supported by funding from the Town Deal Fund and One Public Estate: Brownfield Land Release Fund.
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