Under the deal, Vinci will build a new market hall flanked by a mixed-use area set around a 120-bedroom hotel, 64 new homes and 11,000 sq ft of shops, along with sustainable public spaces.

The scope of initial works will also see replacement of the existing bus station with a multi-modal interchange and active travel improvements across the wider town centre.

The 24-acre scheme already has hybrid approval and will progress to a start on site in the first quarter of 2024, subject to a more detailed reserved matters planning application that is being submitted in the Autumn.

St Helens Borough Council and ECF – a joint venture between Muse, Legal & General and Homes England – selected Vinci through the North West Construction Hub framework.

Proposed bus interchange

In terms of the construction phase, VINCI Building aims to buying locally as part of the supply chain, along with creating significant skills, training, and employment opportunities for local people.

John Roberts, Managing Director of VINCI Building said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for VINCI Building to showcase our technical expertise in town centre regeneration.

This project allows us to increase our social value commitments and add value within the borough and surrounding Liverpool City Region. We look forward to working with The English Cities Fund and St Helens Borough Council and bringing this project to site.”