St Helens regeneration: Compulsory purchase order plan for town centre

A recent report to the council’s cabinet said The English Cities Fund Partnership’s first phase proposals for redevelopment and regeneration of St Helens town centre represent a "major transformation" that will be achieved through selective interventions, adding this investment in turn will "act as a catalyst" for further regeneration including the delivery of up to 423 new homes.

'Acquisition of land'

Members approved the compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of land that was "shaded pink" on "Appendix A", which was alongside the cabinet report.

The council has confirmed that the land and sites which form part of the approved compulsory purchase order comprise The Swan pub, Hardshaw Centre, the car park, bus station, as well as land on Corporation Street, Library Street, Bickerstaffe Street and Hall Street.

READ> CPOs could be pushed through as part of town centre regeneration plans

The council purchased the Hardshaw Centre last year as part of the regeneration plans.

It will be bulldozed as part of the masterplan, although the section which housed the former M&S unit will remain.

What the council has said

A council spokesman said: “The pink shaded area at Appendix A of the cabinet report is the extent of the proposed CPO and was included in the footprint of the original masterplan and planning application.

A CGI of how the town centre could look (Image: St Helens Council/ECF)

“The area does include a public house (The Swan). We are seeking to negotiate acquisitions by agreement in advance of any CPO which would include the public house.

“Working with our project partners, the English Cities Fund, we are confident that the proposals will be transformational for St Helens town centre; attracting more people to live, visit, work and enjoy St Helens as a thriving destination with something for the whole family.

“The first phase development will bring forward a vibrant mixed-use scheme that includes approximately 60 new homes, high quality office space, an international hotel, retail facilities, leisure amenities and a market, all set within stunning public spaces.

“The completed first phase development will attract more investment, leading to delivery of the wider masterplan development framework and the balance of the 423 new homes.”