Demolition of Chalon Way multi-storey car park begins

Contractors are pulling down the multi-storey - viewed by many as an eyesore - this week.

A giant machine is ripping the concrete structure apart and chunks of rubble could be seen falling into the demolition site, which is secured behind fencing. this afternoon.

Regeneration leaders want the car park’s demolition to free up the canal-side site for future development.

A middle section of the car park is being destroyed

St Helens Borough Council received £1m in accelerated Town Deal Board funding for infrastructure projects - and earmarked knocking down the car park as a priority.

St Helens was identified by the Government as a qualifying area for the Town Deal Programme which allows those selected the opportunity to bid for up to £25m to help with regeneration plans.

The Star reported last year how the council regards the car park as a “key site for transformation”.

A close up of the contractors at work

They believe demolishing it will create opportunities to make the Sankey Canal, known locally as the Hotties, more visible for the rest of the town centre and also as an attractive redevelopment site.

Speaking last year, Councillor Richard McCauley, cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “We know St Helens Town Centre needs to change to make it fit for purpose in the future and we are working with our partners on the Town Deal Board on submitting a Town Investment Plan to Government which, if approved, will see a series of transformation projects being delivered.

Regeneration leaders want to open up the canal area for redevelopment

“We need to use this money quickly which means we have had to look at projects that can be delivered to the tight deadline.

“Chalon Way is viewed as an important cog in the wider redevelopment plans and this advanced funding from Government will help to unlock the potential for regeneration in this part of the town centre.”

A view of the multi-storey car park from the canal-side

The council said its 14 further car parks, including the recently refurbished Tontine Car Park, provide more than 1300 spaces in the town centre.

The loss of spaces at Chalon Way can be accommodated by those other locations, the local authority believes.

The council added that once demolished short term "meanwhile uses" for the car park site will be worked up in consultation with our partners on the Town Deal Board.