Earlestown's market-led revival and Town Hall refurbishment receive planning consent

Planning permission has been granted to bring the transformational vision for Earlestown to life, as part of our partnership between ECF and St Helens Borough Council.

The historic market town is home to the oldest working market in the country and a 125-year-old Grade II Listed Town Hall and clocktower, which hosted an early performance by The Beatles.

Under the approved plans, Earlestown’s traditional market square will be enhanced and upgraded into a stunning multi-use public square to support and grow the town’s historic market long into the future. The market will be equipped with a new permanent canopy inspired by the landmark Sankey Viaduct, providing high-quality, sheltered trading space and the flexibility to host markets and other public events all year round.

Earlestown Town Hall will undergo a complete internal refurbishment before being fully reopened to the public. Design by heritage architecture specialists Buttress, it will feature community meeting rooms, flexible workspaces and a new courtyard garden and café area, together with public toilets and a Changing Places facility. The buildings main hall will be brought back to life as a performance and events space, complementing and developing Earlestown’s evening economy.

Three applications were granted approval by the Council’s planning committee on 10^th December, a reserve matters application for the works to the market square, a Listed Building consent and a full planning application for the town hall. Construction is due to start in the first quarter of 2025.

In addition, the core town centre streets will be upgraded to create a public realm befitting a historic market town and encouraging footfall between the rail station and retail heart. This will include the introduction of street trees, and street furniture and spill out opportunities for retailers and food sellers.

Matt Whiteley, Senior Development Manager at ECF, said:

Lisa Harris, Executive Director Place at St Helens Borough Council, said:

“Earlestown is home to a welcoming, passionate community, enviable assets in its historic market and beautiful Town Hall, and boasts some of the best rail links in the North West. We see amazing potential for it to grow as a place for people to live, shop and spend time and these plans have been conceived to harness and enhance those unique qualities to benefit the town’s residents and businesses long into the future.

“We look forward to sharing more exciting news about plans to begin work early in the new year.”

The plans are funded by a £20m grant from Round 2 of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) with £8m match funding provided by St Helens Borough Council, and are being brought forward by ECF, the regeneration joint venture of developer Muse, Homes England, and Legal & General.

The proposals are the first phase of investment in Earlestown. Further proposals for accessibility and environmental improvements to Earlestown Rail Station are being developed by St Helens Borough Council with partners from the rail industry.