Hilton has announced its commitment to developing a new 120-guest room Hampton by Hilton hotel in the town center of St Helens, marking a significant step forward in the town’s transformational regeneration scheme. This ambitious initiative is spearheaded by the English Cities Fund (ECF), a partnership including Muse Developments, Homes England, and Legal & General in collaboration with the St Helens Borough Council. The signing of the franchise agreement with Hilton represents a major milestone in the efforts to revitalize the town center and enhance its economic prospects. The project aims to transform St Helens into a vibrant, attractive destination for both residents and visitors.
Strategic Location and Accessibility
The new Hampton by Hilton St Helens will be strategically located on Bickerstaff Street, directly opposite a new bus station set to replace the old, outdated facility. This prime location, just a two-minute walk from St Helens train station, is designed to significantly enhance the accessibility of the area. The strategic positioning of the hotel is part of an extended multi-modal transport interchange that aims to improve connectivity and ease of access for all visitors. The connectivity of St Helens is further supported by its transport links via the A580, M6, M62, and M57, providing seamless access to major cities like Liverpool and Manchester.
This enhanced accessibility is expected to boost the town’s appeal, making it an attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers. The central location and improved transport infrastructure are key components in ensuring that the Hampton by Hilton St Helens becomes a focal point within the town center. The introduction of a high-quality hotel brand is a testament to the ongoing efforts to modernize and rejuvenate the town, catering to a growing demand for quality accommodation options. This development promises to bring new life to the area, drawing more visitors and ultimately contributing to the overall economic uplift of St Helens.
Hotel Features and Amenities
The new Hampton by Hilton St Helens will boast 96 guest rooms spread across four floors, along with an additional 16 long-stay guest rooms specially tailored for families and business travelers who require extended stays. The hotel will also feature eight accessible rooms designed to accommodate guests with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for all visitors. Among the top-notch amenities on offer are fitness facilities that will cater to health-conscious guests, as well as two flexible ground-floor meeting rooms available for hire by business and leisure guests, in addition to non-residents.
These thoughtfully designed amenities are aimed at meeting the needs of quality-driven and value-conscious travelers, providing superior accommodations and services. The inclusion of spacious rooms and a complimentary hot breakfast aligns with the regeneration goals of St Helens, offering guests a high standard of hospitality. With such features, the Hampton by Hilton St Helens is set to become a preferred choice for travelers seeking both comfort and convenience. The design and amenities not only cater to the current market needs but also align with the broader vision of revitalizing the town center.
Integration with Town Center Regeneration
The addition of the Hampton by Hilton hotel is seen as a pivotal component in creating a mixed-use area within the heart of the town center. This new area will also encompass 64 high-quality homes, a modern market hall, and 11,000 square feet of retail space, all integrated with attractive, sustainable public spaces. This development marks the first phase of a comprehensive plan to transform the St Helens town center, breathing new life into an area that was previously home to the Hardshaw Centre shopping area, which ceased operations in July.
The transformation of this space into a vibrant mixed-use area is expected to bring significant economic uplift to the town center. The redevelopment will introduce a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces that promise to attract both businesses and residents to the area. The integration of these elements within the regeneration scheme is aimed at creating a dynamic, sustainable environment that supports the long-term growth and vitality of St Helens. The commitment to such a comprehensive transformation underscores the collaborative efforts of ECF and the St Helens Borough Council in driving forward the town’s regeneration agenda.
Endorsement and Support
Matt Whiteley, Senior Development Manager, has hailed the agreement with Hilton as a significant endorsement of the place-led regeneration efforts by ECF and the St Helens Borough Council. Whiteley emphasized that Hilton’s participation is a positive indicator of the project’s long-term sustainability and transformation objectives. The involvement of a high-caliber brand like Hilton showcases the potential and credibility of the regeneration plan, further boosting confidence in its success. The planned hotel will not only provide high-quality accommodations but also contribute significantly to the overall appeal of the town center.
Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, expressed enthusiastic support for the project, noting that the introduction of a prestigious hotel brand would play a crucial role in realizing the borough’s vision of growth and modernization. Burns highlighted that the Hampton by Hilton brand aligns perfectly with the council’s ambitions to retain, grow, and attract businesses while boosting the visitor economy. The council’s strategic planning and extensive consultation with the business community further validated the need for a high-quality hotel in the redevelopment plans. Burns noted that the selection of Hilton came after competitive bids from various international hotel brands, underscoring the strong case for bringing a reputable franchise to the town center.
Design and Planning Process
The detailed design of the Hampton by Hilton St Helens is currently progressing through the planning process, with completion anticipated in Autumn. The design has been significantly shaped by feedback obtained from consultation exercises conducted by ECF and the council. Notable design considerations include the incorporation of rooms specifically adapted for longer stay corporate business visitors and plans for the hotel’s exterior to reflect the local heritage. These thoughtful design elements aim to cater to the growing influx of business travelers to St Helens, driven by new developments such as Glass Futures, SINA medical glass, and major local employers.
The design process underscores the commitment to creating a hotel that not only meets the needs of its guests but also seamlessly integrates with the broader objectives of town center regeneration. By taking into account local heritage and the specific requirements of corporate travelers, the hotel is poised to provide a high-quality accommodation option that complements the existing infrastructure and development projects in St Helens. The planning and design stages reflect a comprehensive approach to ensuring that the new Hampton by Hilton meets both the immediate and future needs of the town.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Hilton has announced its commitment to developing a new 120-room Hampton by Hilton hotel in the heart of St Helens, marking a significant milestone in the town’s ambitious regeneration plan. This project is spearheaded by the English Cities Fund (ECF), a partnership that includes Muse Developments, Homes England, and Legal & General, working closely with the St Helens Borough Council. The signing of the franchise agreement with Hilton represents a major advancement in efforts to revitalize the town center. This initiative aims to boost St Helens’ economic prospects and transform it into a vibrant, appealing destination for both residents and visitors. The new hotel will not only provide modern accommodations but also serve as a catalyst for further development and investment in the area. The collaboration between these organizations demonstrates a strong commitment to the long-term growth and prosperity of St Helens, creating new opportunities and enhancing the overall attractiveness of the town center.
