Levelling Up Fund bid for Gamble Building works unsuccessful

The bid was submitted for Government Levelling Up Fund Round Two to finance the internal works needed to restore the iconic building in Victoria Square.

The Gamble Building, closed in 2017 due to structural issues and works have been carried out on the 127-year-old building including new windows, masonry repointing, terracotta repairs, and roof work.

Council issue statement

However, when announcing the successful £20m bid for Earlestown’s regeneration plans, the council confirmed the bid for The Gamble's interior was unsuccessful.

However, the council added that it remains committed to the project and it is expected they will seek other streams of funding with regeneration partners.

In a statement released by the council it briefly confirmed: “Unfortunately, a second bid for funding for The Gamble building was unsuccessful but the council has reiterated its commitment to the project to transform the building.”

Leader of St Helens Council, David Baines, said: “Whilst it is fantastic news for Earlestown, we are disappointed that our other bid to support the repurposing of The Gamble in St Helens town centre was unsuccessful.

“However, we have always been clear that The Gamble is an important St Helens regeneration project and we will continue to work on the delivery of this exciting scheme via alternative funding arrangements. “Our commitment is clear through the approval last week for phase four of the project.

“This will see designs developed for inside the building which has already benefited from external fabric repair works.

“We remain determined to preserve and enhance this jewel of St Helens town centre and look forward to seeing the final plans for its future.”

Phase four will see multi-disciplinary consultancy services undertake Royal Institute of British Architects stages two and three, which focused on the concept design and spatial coordination of Gamble Building before the internal works programme is able to commence.