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WHAT'S HAPPENING
In 2023, St Helens Borough Council approved the investment of £69.2 million to deliver the initial Phase 1A of the St Helens town centre regeneration initiative and selected Vinci Construction as its construction delivery partner.
Since then, significant positive progress has been made with developing the detailed design of the programme, seeking Reserved Matters planning consent and delivering an extensive property acquisition programme following the granting of Compulsory Purchase Order powers in August 2023.
The last remaining shops in the Hardshaw Centre were relocated to the Church Square Shopping Centre in August 2024, which has now enabled its closure and the programme of “enabling works” to commence Winter 2024. These enabling works represent the first phase of activity on-site and comprise:
Site establishment works
Post vacant possession asbestos surveys
Outstanding topographical/ground penetrating radar/dilapidation surveys
Hoarding installation around the edge of the working site
Removal and safe storage of the Millennium Needle structure (in advance of eventual re-installation on completion of the works)
Asbestos removal
Purging and proving of existing services
Soft strip of fixtures and fittings within the Hardshaw Centre
Demolition of the Hardshaw Centre
Excavation & removal of existing foundations and obstructions (to a depth of 2.50m below existing floor slab)
Reinstatement and upfilling to levels
Installation of a piling mat
Post-demolition site investigation works
The main works during this phase will be the demolition of the Hardshaw Centre. On completion this will enable the construction phase to begin for the new Phase 1A development.
On the 18th May, the current Bus Station closed and was relocated to a newly constructed temporary bus hub on Chalon Way West. This location was selected for its convenient access to shops, amenities, and employment areas in the town centre, making it the least disruptive option.
The temporary bus hub will feature a travel centre on Foundry Street, seven new bus shelters and new pedestrian crossing points at both the Bridge Street and Market Street ends of Chalon Way West.
All bus services that currently begin at the existing bus station will do so from the new temporary bus hub.
For further information on the Bus Station development please click here
SOCIAL VALUE
Social value is a key priority for St Helens Borough Council and opportunities for local businesses and residents will be maximised wherever possible. A Social Value Strategy is in place which shows that over 2 years of construction, 20 years of estate management and 20 years of occupation, the total additional social and local economic value created could be as high as £198m.
This value will be created by:
Employing local people;
Providing support and guidance to get people ready for work;
Work experience opportunities;
Procuring local suppliers;
Supporting community initiatives; and
Providing careers advice and guidance to young people
SUPPLIER OPPORTUNITIES
VINCI Building is already working with local suppliers and we would like to encourage more interest. If you have a local business and would like to explore opportunities further, then please complete the form on our Local Suppliers page.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
If you are interested in working on the scheme, previous experience is not necessarily required. The Council’s Ways to Work service will be able to assist with training opportunities, with initial opportunities identified for:
Demolition
Civil Engineering
Groundworks
General labouring
Additional roles will be added as the development progresses.
To register your interest please contact Ways to Works:
01744 676131
ABOUT US
Our project is made possible through the generous support and funding from several organisations. We are deeply grateful for their contributions, which have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life.
St Helens Council
As a key partner in this initiative, St Helens Council has provided essential support and resources. Our commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our community has been a driving force behind the project’s success.
ECF
ECF, a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse, drives urban regeneration and development across England. Their investment has been pivotal in transforming our urban spaces, creating vibrant communities, and fostering economic growth.
Towns Fund
The Towns Fund is dedicated to driving economic regeneration and growth in towns across the UK. Their investment has been crucial in revitalising our community, enhancing infrastructure, and creating new opportunities for local residents.
City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS)
CRSTS aims to improve public transport and active travel infrastructure, making our cities more sustainable and accessible. Their funding has enabled us to develop innovative transport solutions that benefit everyone in our community.
One Public Estate (OPE)
OPE is a national program that supports local authorities in using public land and property to deliver better services and unlock economic growth. Their support has been vital in optimising our public assets and fostering collaboration across sectors. This project is supported through the Brownfield Land Release Fund which is administered on behalf of the Government by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
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