AS we get back into our routines after a cold and busy festive period, there is much to look forward to as we look ahead to 2024.
From politics and sport to regeneration and infrastructure projects, there will be lots of changes across the borough and St Helens could look much different by the end of the year.
Some of these changes will involve a general election and a new MP in St Helens North, a new Saints hooker for the first time in twenty years, and regeneration projects that plan to transform the town centres of St Helens and Earlestown.
While there will be many changes that can't be predicted, here are a handful of things to expect and look forward to in St Helens this year.
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General Election - New MP, new council leader
Following the last general election in December 2019, the latest time another election can take place is January 2025.
As the Conservatives have had three leaders since the last election, it is believed that the party will call for an election this year rather than be accused of hanging onto power. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appeared to indicate this week that an election will take place in the second half of this year.
The next general election will bring at least one new MP to St Helens, with Conor McGinn announcing he will sit down after nine years in office.
It has since been confirmed that Leader of St Helens Council David Baines will run as the Labour candidate for St Helens North, which will also mean a new council leader if he is successful. Marie Rimmer has indicated that she will run again as the Labour candidate for St Helens South & Whiston.
Saints - New season, new hooker
Following Saints' incredible run of four Grand final victories and a World Club Challenge win, this marks the second season under former fullback Paul Wellens.
This year marks the first season without hooker and skipper James Roby for the first time in twenty years, as Saints look to reclaim their lost trophies in 2024.
Saints fans will look on with curiosity and excitement as new signings Matt Whitley and Daryl Clark, as well as a first full season for Moses Mbye make up the squad.
Regeneration - St Helens and Earlestown
After a slow decline of the high street, St Helens town centre will see a huge transformation project this year, billed as the largest regeneration seen in the town since the Second World War.
With a growing pessimism around the town centre after previous false dawns, a £90m project will bring new homes, offices, retail space, a market hall and hotel come to St Helens town centre.
The project will begin in the early part of the year with the bulldozing of the Hardshaw Centre and surrounding buildings around Hall Street and Corporation Street.
Earlestown will also see a huge regeneration project this year, with a £20m Levelling Up bid securing investment to revamp the town's historic market square, Town Hall, and town centre spaces.
With trade dwindling around Earlestown town centre and market square, the plans hope to transform the area into a modern and vibrant market town that can operate in all weathers.
The Foundry
In what has been a long-anticipated and much-delayed project, the Foundry is planned to be constructed in the town centre this year.
The first containers for the multi-use outdoor area arrived in late October, which are set to be converted for food, drink and retail purposes.
Following the delivery and conversion of more containers, the Steel Life 'box park' venture is planned to launch this Spring.
Lea Green station
A £15m redevelopment will make Lea Green station one of the most modern railway stations in the borough.
Designed to be a key commuter hub on the busy Liverpool to Manchester railway, the development includes a new station building and waiting room, a modern decked car park, toilets and customer facilities.
After numerous delays, the station is expected to be completed in the early part of the year.
Reminisce Festival
One of the biggest and most popular events in the events calendar in St Helens, Reminisce Festival will return for its tenth year in St Helens this September.
Starting as a small nostalgic music festival in 2014, Reminisce has grown to attract 20,000 fans for a collection of nostalgia, old-school dance tunes, and nineties pop.
This years festival will take place on Saturday, September 7.
Haydock Park
A popular attraction for people in St Helens and afar, Haydock Park is a place for people to get dolled up and enjoy a day at the races.
As well as the park's numerous racing days, there are always live events to attract crowds to Haydock, which includes Pete Tong's Ibiza Classics and Busted so far this year.
Theatre Royal
One of the jewels in St Helens' crown, the Theatre Royal attracts a wide variety of customers into the town centre, and has become the place to be for pantomimes.
Some of this year's line up includes the Ricky Tomlinson starring 'Irish Annie's', a conversation with former Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder, and performances from The Mersey Beatles and Lancashire Hotpots.
The Citadel
Constructed in the 1860s, the Citadel has become a widely respected music, theatre and comedy venue over the decades.
It has had a rocky road in recent years, but a partnership with a national concert promoter has breathed new life into the historic venue.
This year's programme of events include scouse new wave band China Crisis, Gomez guitarist Ben Ottewell, and a variety of quality tribute acts.
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