New facilities have opened for customers at a railway station in the Liverpool city region, following a £10 million upgrade.

Lea Green station in St Helens

A new station building, containing a ticket office, waiting room and toilets, has been built at Lea Green station, as well as a new multi-storey car park which more than doubles the park and ride capacity to 450 vehicles.

Northern, which runs the station and delivered the project, opened the facilities earlier today (Monday, 18 August), after receiving approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

The project is part of St Helens Borough Council’s £15m St Helens Southern Gateway programme and was funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s (LCRCA) Transforming Cities Fund, which was designed to improve connectivity and promote sustainable public transport.

The station, used by more than 465,000 people a year, remained open to customers while the work was being done.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“At long last the improvements at Lea Green station are all approved which means passengers will be able to experience a high-quality environment.

“Good public transport is vital for connecting people with opportunity. This investment moves us closer towards building the London-style, integrated transport network that our region deserves – one that is reliable, accessible and fit for the future.”

Anthony Burns, leader of St Helens Borough Council, said:

“While the project has taken longer than initially anticipated, we are pleased that the state-of-the-art facilities at Lea Green station are opening to the public following Northern’s completion of required works.

“This milestone represents a significant leap forward in our St Helens Southern Gateway programme, enhancing local transport connections and championing sustainable travel for years to come.

“The impressive new station building, alongside the expanded park and ride, stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering lasting benefits for passengers and the entire community.”

Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said:

“We’re pleased to announce that these fantastic new facilities have opened, allowing customers to enjoy more comfortable and convenient journeys.

“We know this project has taken longer than expected and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

“I’m sure customers will notice some significant improvements, as the station has been transformed following years of hard work and millions of pounds of investment.”