Good design in action
George Street Quarter,
St Helens
The area of St Helens richest in historic
buildings was, until recently, one of its
most neglected and unwelcoming.
Its regeneration has included major
improvements to the public realm, such
as new pedestrian surfacing, street
furniture, signage and lighting, as well
as new road alignments and parking
arrangements. A derelict park and former
burial ground have been remodelled as
new green spaces. The public space
improvements, designed by Taylor Young,
together with those to shop fronts, the
train station and historic buildings, have
helped to reduce crime, increase rental
values, revive the area’s housing market
and give a measurable boost to the
performance of local businesses.