THE proposed plans outlined for Earlestown town centre have been approved. 

A masterplan of the joint venture between St Helens Borough Council and English Cities Fund, a company set up by the UK’s three main regeneration and investment organisations, was put forward to highlight the first phases of the town centre’s Masterplan Development Framework which follows the regeneration plans.

The approved applications include major changes to the Market Square, with demolition of buildings on the corner of the square and Stanley Street, and plans for a canopy to be placed over the Market Square and Haydock Street, set to take form.

A new retail kiosk near the Wilko, and public realm improvements that will see the square and rail station linked, are also set to be introduced following the approval of phase one.

The second round of the Levelling Up Fund, will see a bid for £20 million to support the town’s regeneration plans, is also due to be submitted by the council.

A successful bid would provide funding to support the reopening of Earlestown Town Hall which will be able to use its facilities for a variety of purposes.  

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, said: "When we unveiled the plans last year, we were keen to make sure that action followed our ambitions, and this planning approval is a sign of our intent to deliver on our masterplan.

"It’s the first major planning permission approval after the adoption of our Local Plan which sets out our development plans for the next 25 years and will contribute significant regeneration of Earlestown and support a sustainable future for the historic market.

"We’ll now continue our work with ECF and the local community on the detailed designs for Earlestown town centre to secure their earliest delivery.

"We will also continue to look at wider developments that benefit the area, including the restoration of the Grade II listed Earlestown Town Hall to reopen its doors to the public as a vibrant space with a variety of uses. The future for Earlestown is certainly bright."

Leon Guyett, development director at ECF, said: "We’re delighted to receive approval from the council’s planning committee on our Earlestown application, which will breathe new life into the historic market town.

"We’re keeping momentum with our partners at the council and local community, as we work together to bring forward place-changing, sustainable regeneration that will help to build a brighter future for all."

Proposed plans for the regeneration of St Helens town centre are scheduled to be formed in September.