Further details released for St Helens bus station and Gamble Square

As reported by the Star, a new 'Multi Modal Interchange' is set to transform the space around St Helens' town centre bus station, with up to £32m committed to the project by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

As part of the town's wider regeneration project, the transport interchange will create a modern arrival point in St Helens town centre, and is projected to "vastly improve the experience and safety of those travelling by bus, cyclists and pedestrians".

With plans progressing on the multi-million-pound project, further details and images have been released ahead of a public consultation and formal planning application.

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Bus station 

The new bus station will be made of sustainable materials and provide extra capacity (Image: St Helens Council/ ECF) The main feature of St Helens' 'Multi Modal Interchange' will feature two fully enclosed concourses offering "spacious and sheltered" bus waiting areas.

Two small building ‘pods’ at alternate ends of the concourses will house a new travel centre and accessible toilets, including a Changing Places facility.

The concourses will be enclosed in a glass façade, with "extensive glazing" to the roof to maximise natural light. The pods are clad in decorative brickwork to reflect the character of the surrounding historic buildings.

The interchange will also create capacity for St Helens to welcome larger and more sustainable buses in the future and move all bus operations into a safe and controlled environment. This will help to reduce congestion on Corporation Street, which is a common problem at the current station.

Further facilities include:

• 11 Stands, an increase on the current facility (which has 9). This is to support the aims of regeneration and bus franchising
• All bus parking moved into the new facility to provide a safer operating environment and safer spaces for pedestrians
• A fully enclosed dry, comfortable and temperature-controlled environment
• Automatic doors at each departure stand
• Level bus boarding throughout and step-free access providing a much more pleasant and safe environment for passengers
• Real-time service information for both buses and trains
• Secure indoor and outdoor cycle parking and wayfinding
• Improved lighting and CCTV coverage, enhancing safety and security

Gamble Square

'Gamble Square' will provide a 'new and unique' feature of the town centre (Image: St Helens Council/ ECF) The funding for St Helens' transport interchange also includes major enhancements to the public realm, to create "vibrant and welcoming public spaces" with clearer, safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists and de-cluttered streets.

A major part of this enhancement will be ‘Gamble Square’, a new civic square located between the interchange and the Gamble Building.

Bringing something "new and unique" to this area of the town centre, Gamble Square will connect and celebrate some of St Helens’ key buildings, including the Gamble Building, the Theatre Royal and the town centre's new hotel, all of which will benefit from views across the square.

The square is also planned to feature street furniture, lighting, CCTV, trees and soft landscaping, and provide easy access to other areas of the town centre.

Transport Interchange

The new interchange aims to provide easier access to a newly regenerated town centre (Image: St Helens Council/ ECF) With live travel information display screens, clear signage and information, the transport interchange aims to better connect bus and rail services in the town.

There is also planned to have much improved walking and cycling links around the interchange, representing a 20% increase in footways with improved crossing facilities to key destinations across the town centre.

The interchange, which will provide step-free access, will also use sustainable designs including solar panels on the station's main roof, as well as a "green living roof" on the station pods. There will also be further greenery and planters across the interchange to increase biodiversity

'More great news for St Helens'

The Liverpool City Region's franchised buses will be a big feature of the the station (Image: LCR) Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: "This is more great news for St Helens and is only able to be delivered because they are a member of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

“Buses are the backbone of our public transport, with over 80% of journeys in our region made by bus. But for far too long, people have been stuck with slow, expensive, and unreliable services. That’s why I made the decision to bring our buses back under public control—putting passengers before profits.

“This £32m investment in St Helens' new interchange is part of a much bigger plan to create the London-style transport integrated network our region deserves.

"This isn’t just about shiny new buildings; it’s about making a real difference to people’s lives. We’re building a system that’s greener, safer, and more accessible, with local people at its heart. It will create local jobs, provide apprenticeship opportunities and benefit local supply chains.

“When the first franchised bus services roll out in 2026, they’ll be serving this brand-new interchange, making it easier than ever for people to get around. It’s a big step forward in delivering a transport network that’s affordable, reliable, and fit for the future—one that’s run for the benefit of our communities, not shareholders."

Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, added: “Maintaining and building on our strong relationship with the City Region is a key priority for us. Influencing and driving devolution will be key to delivering the continued regeneration of our borough.

“Equipping St Helens with a well-connected, integrated, and accessible public transport system is a key aim of the town centre regeneration.

“The St Helens Interchange will make sure the town’s long-term public transport needs are met, seamlessly providing a more efficient operational layout and vastly improving the experience of passengers, cycles and pedestrians

“Together with the new Gamble Square, it will form a key gateway into the town centre, where pedestrians and cycles will take priority in a vibrant and welcoming high-quality public space.”

Public consultations and timelines

The new interchange is estimated for completion in 2026 (Image: St Helens Council/ ECF) A series of public drop-in events will be held to provide people with the opportunity to view the plans in person and ask questions.

They will be held in the former EE store in Church Square Shopping Centre (opposite One Below) at the following times:

• Tuesday 29th October:     10am - 4pm  
• Friday 1st November:       10pm - 4pm 
• Saturday 2nd November:  10am – 5pm   

Members of the public can provide their feedback on the plans via a survey online at this link or at the public events.

With construction starting on the temporary bus station on Chalon Way West this autumn, the demolition of the current station, will take place in Spring 2025.

The project for the Multi Modal Interchange is set for completion in 2026, coinciding with the introduction of the first franchised bus services in St Helens.

To be rolled out across the city region by the end of 2027, the new franchised network will allow greater local control of fares, timetables and routes.

Do you have a news story? I cover the whole of the St Helens borough and surrounding areas. Email conal.cunningham@newsquest.co.uk