English Cities Fund (ECF) along with St Helens Borough Council has launched a consultation for feedback from local residents and businesses on the updated plans for the regeneration of Earlestown town centre, UK.

This review is being undertaken ahead of its submission to the Town Hall by the end of this year.

The submission will include a Reserved Matters planning application for the Market Square, as well as a detailed planning application and listed building permit application for the improvements.

The proposals include a substantial modification to the town's historic Market Square.

A permanent market canopy will offer a protected trade area that allows the market to run year-round, especially in severe weather and provides space for events.

The Market Square will be modified with pavement and sitting spaces, family-friendly aspects, and public art.

Furthermore, the interior renovation will provide a range of additional spaces and services such as community space, flexible offices, workplaces, and meeting rooms, as well as a new café.

Externally, the courtyard will include high-quality landscaping elements to provide an extra amenity area.

The Earlestown town centre revitalisation project secured £20m from the government's Levelling Up Fund earlier this year.

St Helens Borough Council leader and councillor David Baines said: “The Market Square is home to one of the oldest working markets in the country.

"Our plans for a more attractive and flexible Market Square, with the much-loved Town Hall fully repaired and reopened as a thriving community hub, will help to deliver the diverse, vibrant town centre residents want and deserve.”

ECF, a joint venture between Muse, Legal & General, and Homes England, was hired by the council to execute the Earlestown project and the renovation of St Helens town centre in 2021.

Muse development manager Tom Ivinson said: “Earlestown has some truly enviable assets in its Market Square and the beautiful Town Hall, and our proposals represent a huge opportunity to enhance the town’s infrastructure and appearance to provide a better environment for traders and shoppers alike, encouraging more people to visit and spend more time in Earlestown.”