The St Helens town centre regeneration project in the UK has advanced with the approval of reserved matters planning for its first phase, covering 24 acres of the former Hardshaw Shopping Centre area.

This 24-acre phase is set to redevelop the former Hardshaw Shopping Centre into modern buildings, public spaces, and climate-resilient landscapes. The initiative is being delivered through a partnership between St Helens Borough Council and the English Cities Fund—a joint venture of Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse. With the latest planning approval secured, construction can now begin on the first stage of the town centre regeneration. The scheme is backed by a GBP69.2 million (US$92.9 million) investment from the council, bolstered by additional UK government funding. The funding package features GBP7.24 million (US$9.7 million) from the Town Deal and GBP 812,000 (US$1 million) from the One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund to support new housing. With VINCI Building appointed as the main contractor, construction is set to begin, following steady progress on demolition and site preparation in early 2025.  The approved Phase One development will deliver a new Market Hall, a 120-room Hampton by Hilton hotel, 56 apartments, eight townhouses, and around 4,266 square feet of retail space. 

The new buildings will be integrated into landscaped surroundings aimed at boosting biodiversity, featuring pollinator-friendly planting, green spaces, and upgraded pathways for walking, cycling, and wheeling. The scheme is closely connected to the planned St Helens Transport Interchange, which secured planning approval in July. Backed by the GBP710 million City Region Transport Settlement from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and an additional GBP3.25 million from the Town Deal, the interchange will serve bus users, cyclists, and pedestrians.