Plans for St Helens' new market hall - what would be there?

Developers want the building - which is set to be built on a section of land that will be cleared when the Hardshaw Centre is flattened - to act "as the hub of the town centre".

Similar developments have been created in Altrincham and Warrington - and are regarded as successes in revitalising those areas.

Those leading the transformation project want to mirror that success - but they also want it to be unique in terms of appearance, with the design reflecting St Helens' heritage.

What are the plans for St Helens' new Market Hall?

In the latest information released about the plans, development partners, the English Cities Fund and St Helens Borough Council, say the goal is to create "a vibrant and energetic destination that boosts the local economy", with the hall housing new bars, coffee shops, deli and street food.

The desire is that visitors will find a selection of foods from around the world and also homegrown.

Will there be entertainment?

Yes. The hall will also house retail space, while there will be a stage for performers in a bid to create a "vibrant atmosphere", where visitors will enjoy entertainment alongside their food and drink. There will also be play areas, in an effort to make the venue appealing to families. 

What about the design of the building and its interior?

The structure of the new market hall will reflect the town’s original market constructed in 1850.

The hall’s design will incorporate timber beams and there is potential to feature stained glass windows.

Developers added that "green living walls will adorn the exterior of the building, adding to the area’s environmental richness".

The development will incorporate design features to respect the local heritage, potentially including:

• Inscriptions of St Helens Heritage in stone along footpaths.

• Specially designed glass detailing into outdoor seating.

• Educational signage to provide information about St Helens' history.

And what about its surroundings?

Visitors will be greeted by landscaped public areas and play areas, with seating to provide space for relaxing and socialising.

The plans add that a rain garden, made up of native shrubs, perennials, and flowers, will buffer Hall Street with a designated play space which "could include oversized see-saws and trampolines".

They continue: "During the day, the area’s floral displays will bring colour and greenery to the area, whilst at night there is potential for visually stunning lights to brighten the area with a vivid display of colour."

The public realm

Creating a much-improved environment is also a vital pat of phase one.

The plans state: "Landscaped streets could include inscriptions of the town’s rich history, providing visitors with information points to learn more about the area’s heritage.

"Intricate levels of decoration will be incorporated into the fabric of the streets, with ideas ranging from decorative fences to place-specific detailing.

"Public art will be incorporated into landscaped streets, providing beautiful community seating, as well as display artwork that contributes to the area’s rich environment."

Developers say the town centre will be designed to create a family-friendly environment, with inclusive and accessible places for play, relaxation and socialising.

The space has been "designed to provide a place for the community to come together, creating a vibrant, safe, and energetic atmosphere both day and night".

• Features include:
• Play areas for children, including potential for an iconic giant see-saw and integrated street play with outdoor trampolines and colourful play elements.
• Potential for colourful light displays and water fountains.
• Signage and wayfinding that point visitors in the right direction and provides information about the area’s rich heritage and encourages walkable routes through the town centre.
• Displays of public artwork, including potential for glass sculptures
• Green spaces of native trees and shrubs, alongside colourful flowerbeds and benches.
• Residents will also enjoy access to a private internal courtyard, complete with climate-resilient planting and recreational opportunities.

What are the other key parts of the transformation

The market hall is one component of the first phase of development, which will involve £70m to £80 of investment.

Other key developments are

• New grade A office space
• A 150-bed branded hotel
• New homes, including apartments and townhouses.
• New retail units
• Extensive public spaces linking the new development to the bus station and Church Square.
• A new and extended bus station.

Where are the plans and the consultation up to

An initial ‘hybrid’ planning application, which the council’s planning committee voted to approve in September 2022, set out the principles of the project.

Developers are now consulting on the more detailed aspects of the proposals surrounding phase one, which includes the proposed design and layout of the buildings, and the landscaping.

To provide feedback people can email sthelens@havingyoursay.co.uk or call the freephone community information line: 0333 358 0502 (Mon to Friday 9am to 5.30pm) 

A series of drop-in exhibition events are continuing this week around the borough.

Tuesday, May 30 (3pm – 7pm) Outside of Co-op, Church Road, Rainford

Wednesday, May 31 (2pm – 6pm) Newton-le-Willows Health & Fitness

Thursday, June 1 – (3pm -7pm) Dane Court Shopping Centre, Rainhill 

Friday, June 2 – (3pm – 7pm) Queens Park Health & Fitness 

Monday, June 5 – (3pm – 7pm) Thatto Heath – Shopping Centre Car Park 

Wednesday, June 7 – (3pm – 7pm) Asda Foyer, Kirkland Street, St Helens