St Helens Borough Council have announced ambitious plans to regenerate the Merseyside town of Earlestown. New computer generated images of how the town centre could be transformed have been released. The centrepiece of the plan is a complete overhaul of the historic Market Square and the creation of a permanent market space.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, St Helens Borough Council leader Cllr David Baines said: “We’re delighted to be bringing forward further details on our proposals to transform and reinvigorate historic Earlestown.”
“The Market Square is home to one of the oldest working markets in the country. Our plans for a more attractive and flexible Market Square, with the much-loved Town Hall fully repaired and reopened as a thriving community hub, will help to deliver the diverse, vibrant town centre residents want and deserve.”
The design of the permanent market canopy is based on the nine arches of the Sankey Viaduct, which is a Grade I listed building and is the oldest major railway viaduct in the world. It was designed by the renowned engineer George Stephenson to carry the Liverpool and Manchester railway across the Sankey Canal.
Tom Ivinson, development manager at the English Cities Fund, added: “Over recent months we have enjoyed productive discussions with community groups and traders in Earlestown as we’ve continued to develop detailed designs for the rejuvenation of the town centre.”
“We are now looking forward to showcasing the outcome of this work, including new images, when we launch the consultation later this month.”
“Earlestown has some truly enviable assets in its Market Square and the beautiful Town Hall, and our proposals represent a huge opportunity to enhance the town’s infrastructure and appearance to provide a better environment for traders and shoppers alike, encouraging more people to visit and spend more time in Earlestown.”
The plans for Earlestown will now go out for public consultation.
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