A new computer-generated animation has been released, providing a detailed look inside the state-of-the-art St Helens Transport Interchange being created in the heart of the town centre. The new facility is being delivered by St Helens Borough Council and ECF, a partnership comprising Homes England, L&G, and Muse.
The project, which is being supported by £32 million in funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, will improve and upgrade the travel experience for bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians, creating a welcoming and prominent green gateway to the revitalised town centre.
Key features of the scheme include two fully enclosed, temperature-controlled concourses with warm, spacious waiting areas, a new Travel Centre, and accessible toilets including a Changing Places facility. The design incorporates 11 bus stands (up from the previous nine), level boarding, automatic doors at each departure stand, and screens featuring real-time information for both buses and trains.
The St Helens Transport Interchange also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and accessibility. The facility will use recycled, natural and local materials together with solar panels on the main roof and green roofs on each pod building, and it will feature extensive landscaped planters to boost biodiversity. Additional accessibility measures include step-free access throughout, clear signage (digital and audio), high-quality adjustable lighting, and acoustic panels for a more comfortable environment.
Extensive improvements to the surrounding public realm will better connect the St Helens Interchange to St Helens Central Rail Station and iconic landmarks such as the Gamble Building, Theatre Royal, and the forthcoming Hampton by Hilton hotel. A stunning new civic square, enhanced lighting, improved CCTV, and high-quality street furniture will create a vibrant and secure public space.
The new transport interchange is also being delivered with £3.25 million of additional from the UK Government’s Towns Fund as well as further financial contributions from St Helens Borough Council. VINCI Building has been appointed as the principal contractor for the scheme.
Beginning in Autumn 2026, St Helens will be one of the first parts of the Liverpool City Region to see the introduction of new franchised bus services, which will mean greater local control of fares, timetables and route.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“This new interchange shows how we’re using devolved funding to deliver real improvements people can see and feel in their everyday lives. By raising the standard of public transport infrastructure in St Helens, we’re making it easier for people to get around, supporting the regeneration of the town centre and creating the modern facilities residents and visitors deserve.”
Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, added:
“We’re not just building a new transport interchange – we’re creating a welcoming gateway that reflects our ambitions for St Helens town centre. The animation shows a facility that will represent a huge step forward, with better connections, sustainable design, and improved accessibility, this facility will serve our residents for generations to come while supporting the wider regeneration of our town centre.”
(Picture: St Helens Borough Council/ECF/YouTube)
