The creation of a bigger and better bus station in the town is a key part of the council’s £100m regeneration vision, being brought forward by ECF – Vinci Construction is the contractor for the scheme.
St Helens’ upgraded interchange, to be constructed on the site of the existing facility, will feature two concourse buildings, commercial units, WCs, a travel centre, and ticket and information points.
Under proposed plans, St Helens Interchange would have the capacity for 11 bus stands and seven bus lay-bys – the current station can host only nine buses.
According to a design and access statement submitted by Austin-Smith: Lord, the concourse at the north of the application site would provide 7,770 sq ft of waiting room space, while the south side concourse would provide a further 5,600 sq ft for passengers.
VINCI Building has submitted a reserved matters application to St Helens Council in what is the final stage of the planning process for the transformation of the town centre.
The contractor has already begun the required demolition of the Hardshaw Centre to clear ground for the interchange’s development.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “We’re putting the public back into public transport by building a system that’s greener, more affordable and accessible, with local people at its heart.