A workshop is set to take place this week, with local businesses and community groups invited to share ideas for the transformation plans of Earlestown town centre.

The three-hour event, formed as part of St Helens Borough Council’s contribution in the government initiative High Street Task Force, will allow businesses and groups within the community to discuss the regeneration plans as well as focus on enhancing the resources of individuals who wish to develop the town centre.

The interactive workshop will include an introduction to High Street Task Force, an opportunity to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the plans, and a Q&A at the end. 

The initiative, led by place-making specialists, was introduced to help transform the town centre high street, following its selection as one of the 70 local authority areas to receive support from the task force.

Earlestown was chosen in May 2021 by St Helens Borough Council as they were required to select a town or district centre in the region to receive developments.

Discussing the regeneration plans, Councillor Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Business, said: “We’re using resources available to us through the High Street Task Force to focus on Earlestown, to build on its strengths as a bustling market town centre, rich in history, heritage, and lots of potential for the future.  

“Transformation is only possible through the collaboration of our stakeholders, and so we are keen for interested parties to come together to support the vision for Earlestown town centre and how we will deliver the positive change that people want to see here collectively.”   

Developments for the historical town include the reopening of its Grade ll listed town hall where The Beatles have performed, and enhancements to its 700-year-old market that brings thousands of visitors to the town centre each year.  

The workshop will take place on Thursday 19 May from 4.45pm-8pm at Cross Lane United Church Hall, Newton-le-Willows.

To secure a place at the workshop, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/earlestown-town-centre-high-streets-task-force-event-tickets-334575754087 and for further information regarding the town centre, head to https://earlestown.co.uk/