St Helens Borough Council has appointed VINCI Building as the principal contractor for a new £35m transport hub.
VINCI will start work later this autumn on the new St Helens Interchange, which is set to include:
- 11 bus stands (increased from the current nine) to support bus franchising aims
- A contained bus layover area within the new facility for safer operations
- Fully enclosed, temperature-controlled waiting areas
- Automatic doors at each departure stand
- Level bus boarding and step-free access throughout
- Real-time service information for buses and trains
- Enhanced lighting and CCTV coverage for improved safety
Secure cycle parking is also planned to replace the town’s old bus station, which has already been demolished by Preston-based Bradley Demolition.
The project is for St Helens Borough Council and ECF, which is a joint venture between Muse, Homes England and Legal & General.
It is supported by £32m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and £3.25m from the Towns Fund, with additional cash provided by the council, and is expected to be completed in 2026 to coincide with the first franchised bus service in St Helens.
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: ‘When our first franchised bus services roll out in St Helens next year, they'll be serving this brand-new interchange, which will seamlessly connect passengers to our trains and active travel links.’
Cllr Anthony Burns, leader of St Helens Borough Council, added: ‘The approved St Helens Interchange will ensure the town's long-term public transport needs are met, with a more efficient operational layout that will vastly improve the experience of passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. Together with the new public realm that's now been given the green light, it will form a key gateway into the town centre, creating a vibrant and welcoming high-quality public space.’
Matt Whiteley, senior development manager at ECF, said: ‘We're delighted to have secured planning approval and to be able to maintain the positive momentum towards delivering the scheme.
‘With better walking routes, public spaces, and extensive use of sustainable materials, the Interchange will be a key part of the town's greener, more connected future.’
