St. Helens Council has reaffirmed that the town’s long-awaited new transport interchange is on schedule to open in spring 2027. The authority says the project is currently in the “superstructure fit-out phase”, with work focusing on the building fabric, internal installations and surrounding highway improvements.
What residents can expect
The interchange, part of a wider town-centre public realm programme, is being delivered in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, St. Helens Council and the English Cities Fund. Key features confirmed by the council include:
- 11 bus stands to serve town and regional routes;
- enclosed waiting areas and a travel centre;
- improved walking and cycling links around the town centre;
- highway works and wider public realm improvements to follow through with the interchange opening.
The council has said there is no current plan for a phased opening: passenger use is expected to begin once the interchange is complete in spring 2027.
“The project is currently in the superstructure fit-out phase, with work continuing on the building itself, internal installations and surrounding highway infrastructure.”
Temporary hub on Chalon Way West undecided
Uncertainty remains about the fate of the temporary bus hub on Chalon Way West. Council officers told the local paper the future of that facility will be decided only after an analysis of how the new interchange operates.
That means residents and bus operators should expect the temporary facility to remain in use for the medium term until post-opening reviews identify whether the Chalon Way West site should be kept, repurposed or removed. Any long-term plan for the site will be aligned with the adopted St. Helens Town Centre Masterplan Development Framework, the council added.
Cost, partners and practical details
The scheme carries an overall value reported at £32 million. Delivery partners and the design of the interchange are intended to link transport improvements with the town-centre regeneration agenda.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Estimated cost | £32 million |
| Bus stands | 11 |
| Planned opening | Spring 2027 |
| Partners | Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; St. Helens Council; English Cities Fund |
For residents, the new interchange promises a more weather-proof, accessible hub and better connections for buses, walking and cycling. For the town centre it is a piece of infrastructure intended to support retail, leisure and future development outlined in the masterplan. The council has pledged to continue issuing updates alongside its project partners as work progresses.
