English Cities Fund – a joint venture between Muse, Legal & General and Homes England – will now advance detailed designs for phase one of the town centre masterplan.

Planning approval covers some demolition of existing property and outline consent for new buildings, allowing for flexibility in further phases depending on market conditions.

The regeneration in St Helens town centre will help address the climate crisis through the creation of sustainable buildings and transport infrastructure within fresh public spaces.

New bus interchange with new buildings on the site of the current bus station

Councillor David Baines, leader of St Helens Borough Council, said: “Less than a year ago we asked the public what they thought of our plans for St Helens town centre.

“We’re now in the process of seeking to finalise the last few property purchases and we’re moving as fast as we can to deliver this ambitious transformation that will once again make St Helens town centre a place to be proud of.”