EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network

George Street Quarter

Introduction

Case Study information – St Helens Together
Transforming the built environment to create a vibrant cultural and business centre.

Problem

As recently as 2000, George Street Quarter in St Helens was characterised by derelict buildings and high numbers of empty properties. Its employment base was shrinking and the Friends Garden was frequented by drug users and alcoholics.

Crumbling housing and rising crime – especially break-ins of businesses – made the area unattractive for investment. The town’s bus and rail stations were not connected and delivery of community health services was disjointed.Thus social inclusion was an issue. The aim was to create an accsessible centre attractive to businesses, investors and the public.

Description

This area was characterised by derelict buildings and empty properties. An interdisciplinary steering group has improved the built environment, public realm, visitor attractions and access. Town centre living and employment have also been encouraged.

Social inclusion and crime were also of issue. The 6.5 hectares of town centre are now a vibrant cultural centre. A traders’ association of 60 local businesses works with public agencies to promote the area and develop further investment.

Approach

A feasibility study was followed by visits to successful regeneration projects. An interdisciplinary steering group worked to improve the built environment, the public realm, visitor attractions and access. It aimed to encourage town centre living, attract new jobs, promote social inclusion and stamp out crime.

Dialogue between public agencies and the traders association of 60 local businesses helped promote the area and attract investment. A detailed design guide and master plan provided a united theme that was maintained through many diverse projects. Small project teams worked closely with local businesses and across professional disciplines.

Results

Arena Housing Association helped build 26 new homes.
The Local Strategic Partnership has provided 60 per cent grant and some free assistance.
The Catapult Centre for Creative Industries partially funded 22 modern units in refurbished derelict buildings.
The new Millennium Centre delivers community health services and a base for voluntary organisations.
Grant aid has refurbished the Theatre Royal and Transport Museum.
The bus and rail station are now connected and redevelpment of the rail station starts shortly.
The Friends Garden is renovated. Local industries and colleges competed to produce a logo for the quarter.
Security and aesthetics are combined.

Beneficiaries

The community, the environment and local business

Resources used

Partners:

St Helens Chamber,
Merseyside Police,
Merseytravel,
Primary care trust,
Arena Housing Association,
St Helens Town Centre Partnership.

Funding:

European Regional Development Fund,
Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme,
Northwest Regional Development Agency,
Local Transport Plan and others.

Budget: £23m

EU involvement

None other than the steering group visiting European regeneration projects for inspiration

Contact info

St Helens Together
mcanning@sthelenstogether.org.uk

Project start date

//2002

Links

Visit the RENEW Northwest website

Download the 'George Street Quarter' Report (PDF, Eng, 68 KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Citizens' participation