Over the coming years, St Helens is set to witness economic development on a scale not seen since its industrial heyday. Despite the best of intentions, grand visions and regeneration plans have come and gone in the past without coming to fruition. The difference this time round is the council's new executive and political leadership have put the focus on strategic thinking, taken the level of ambition up several notches - and they've got the big guns on board.A 20-year development agreement with English Cities Fund (ECF) will see key sites across the borough undergo regeneration as part of a carefully planned programme. The initial focus will be on regenerating the town centres of St Helens and Earlestown, which have been in need of investment for many years.Best known for major schemes such as Salford Central and Merchant Gate in Wakefield, ECF is a national strategic joint venture between Muse Developments, Legal & General and Homes England. Together with the council, it's currently developing a masterplan that will reshape the borough and have a huge impact on its economy.
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