RESIDENTS can begin having their say on the proposals to transform St Helens town centre – after ambitious vision was unveiled.

The strategy, revealed to leaders of key business and organisations in the lecture theatre of St Helens College and Monday, could cost in the region of £300 million to achieve.

St Helens Council has said this would be realised through a combination of both public and private funding streams, though further detail about potential financial investments is expected further down the line.

The transformation plans form part of a wider growth strategy for the borough, but the town centre in particular has been a focus of debate among Star readers.

For full details on the strategy can be found at a new website www.investinsthelens.com or by inquiring at planning reception at St Helens Town Hall.

Those driving the proposals are keen to get feedback from residents, who can send contributions and comments from this week by emailing hello@investinsthelens.com, or writing and posting to the council.

However, the council’s formal engagement will begin on Monday, September 4 and run to Friday, October 13.

A key thrust of the strategy is that the council will see the council seek to take greater control of major assets in the town centre, so it can reshape its landscape with the aim of creating a vibrant environment that is designed to meet modern lifestyle and retail habits.

Currently less than one percent of the retail space within the town centre is owned by the local authority, and senior officers have been keen to stress that currently there is “little or no control over what development occurs”.

Council Leader, Barrie Grunewald said: “There can be no denying that this is a substantial amount of money, and comes at a time when the council, like many others across the country, are having to make changes to services in light of the significant cuts made budget by the Government.

“However, we feel that in order to best serve local people and the borough, we need to invest some of the money we do have and work together with private investors to fund the town centre’s transformation.”

The strategy cites changing shopping habits – with a cultural shift to online shopping – and a lack of quality retail and dining options in the town centre as the main reasons behind its decline.

The strategy outlines a number of key developments which, if delivered, would be pivotal in providing the opportunity to transform the town centre.

Chief among these would be an enhanced shopping area in keeping with the changing face of the British high street, with independent shops appearing alongside well known high street brands.

More family-centred restaurants and cafés would feature and there will be an attempt to create a vibrant night time economy.

Part of the town centre vision is a plan to redevelop the area around the section of Sankey Canal into a modern waterfront area, complete with bars and restaurants on lower levels and desirable canal-side apartments above, taking inspiration from stylish cities around the UK and Europe.

The council's Planning Reception is based at the Town Hall, Victoria Square, WA10 1HP. You can send letters ‘Freepost: YOUR VIEWS’ to that address.