• Piling work is underway for the new  St Helens Transport Interchange, preparing the ground for the main construction phase.
• The specialist vibro piling technique is being used to create a strong, stable foundation for the state-of-the-art facility, with completion scheduled for late November.
• The project, funded with £32 million from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, is a key part of the town centre’s regeneration and will deliver a modern, accessible, and sustainable transport gateway.

The next phase in delivering a state-of-the-art St Helens Transport Interchange in the town centre is underway, with specialist piling machinery being employed to prepare the ground ahead of the main construction works.

Martin Horton, Senior Project Manager at VINCI Building, said: “Before any major structure can take shape, engineers must first ensure the ground beneath it is strong enough to support the imposed design loads. That’s where vibro piling comes in – a modern ground improvement technique that uses controlled vibration to install compacted stone columns deep into the soil.

“This process is all about creating strength and stability below ground before construction begins above it. Vibro piling efficiently compacts and reinforces existing soil, providing a secure foundation for the buildings that follow.”

“Vibro piling is ideal for town centre sites St Helens because it is efficient, produces minimal spoil, and offers a low-impact, environmentally friendly way to stabilise the ground.”

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council, said: “The start of vibro piling marks yet another important milestone for the St Helens Transport Interchange. It’s fantastic to see the rigs in action on site – it’s another clear sign of progress. These works are literally laying the groundwork for a modern, accessible, and sustainable Transport Interchange that will serve local people for decades to come. Each stage of the project brings us closer to delivering a facility that reflects St Helens’ ambitions for a greener, better-connected future.”

Matt Whiteley, Senior Development Manager for ECF, commented: “We’re at an important stage where the work is about increasing the soil’s load-bearing capacity and stability, helping to prevent movement or settlement over time. It’s particularly effective in areas where the ground has been disturbed by historical activity – like St Helens, which has a proud industrial and mining heritage. Vibro piling is a great example of how we can use smart engineering to transform challenging, brownfield sites into places ready for regeneration. This work is crucial in unlocking the potential of the site and paving the way for the next phase of construction.”