ST Helens Borough Council has received £1 million to help it fast track plans that could unlock up to £25 million to boost economic growth.

The council and various partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors, have been working together to develop proposals as part of a bid to the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund.

Last month, the government announced it would award councils a share of £96 million to accelerate investment in town centres and high streets through the Towns Fund.

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This will provide all 101 areas selected for town deals with £500,000 to £1 million to spend on projects such as improvements to parks, high streets, and transport.

St Helens has been awarded the maximum amount, receiving £1 million.

Plans are now being drawn up on how to use the money to accelerate work to kick start the regeneration of the borough’s economy after the impact of coronavirus on business.

Local property businessman John Tabern, chairman of St Helens’ Town Deal Board, said: “This funding is very welcome and timely as we continue to work on our plans for the town centre.

“Drawing on the expertise across our Town Deal Board we are continuing to make positive progress towards creating a shared vision for our town centres.

“The group have been continuing to meet despite the current situation and the challenges that we faced along with those brought about by the coronavirus pandemic are being drawn into planning what the future for our town centres will look like for years to come.

“The board along with officers at St Helens Borough Council are now working on the proposals that we can deliver within the government’s challenging timescales.

“The priority now is to make a lasting and sustainable change in the town centre so it is vital that we concentrate on making the right decisions that will act as a catalyst for transformation.”

Cllr Richard McCauley, cabinet member for economic regeneration and housing, said the £1 million will help “lay the foundations for our plans to make it ready for the future for our residents, businesses and people visiting our borough”.

“The Town Deal Board has made great progress since it launched earlier this year,” Cllr McCauley said.

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“The desire from organisations across the borough to work together to transform our future is incredibly strong and this is a great way to harness that power for change among businesses and partner agencies.

“Throughout the pandemic businesses have proved an integral part of #StHelensTogether and the Town Deal Board is another way that we are working in collaboration with others for the good of our borough.

“This funding will help us start that work and help lay the foundations for our plans to make it ready for the future for our residents, businesses and people visiting our borough.”