If you’re a homeowner in WA10 or WA9, 2026 has kicked off with something big: main construction work has officially begun on the £70 million regeneration of St Helens town centre.
With cranes moving into place at the former Hardshaw Centre site and the new Market Hall breaking ground this January, the town is entering a bold new era – and property values are rising in response.
Whether you’re thinking about selling this year, or simply curious about how these plans affect your home, this guide breaks down:
- What’s included in the St Helens town centre masterplan
- Why it matters to your property’s value
- What’s happening now and what’s coming next
- Why 2026 is shaping up to be the best year in a decade to sell in WA10
A quick look at the St Helens regeneration in 2026
St Helens town centre regeneration is part of a £200m multi-phase investment programme, with Phase One focused on the transformation of:
- The former Hardshaw Shopping Centre
- The Market Hall
- A new bus station and active travel interchange
- Modern homes, offices and flexible retail space
Construction officially began in January 2026, with a timeline stretching into 2028 – but the impact on local confidence, house prices and desirability is immediate.
What’s changing – and why it matters to property owners
1. The Hardshaw Centre is being replaced
Let’s start with the headline: the tired, underused Hardshaw Centre is gone. In its place will be:
- New public squares
- Flexible retail and café spaces
- A modern transport interchange
- Green, people-first infrastructure that draws footfall and boosts the local economy
Why this matters if you’re selling:
Buyers no longer see “a run-down town centre” – they see a town with momentum. That means higher demand, stronger competition, and better offers on homes within walking distance of town.
2. A brand-new Market Hall
The new St Helens Market Hall is set to be:
- A modern, indoor space for food, drink, and artisan retailers
- Open year-round
- Designed to attract locals and visitors alike
For sellers in WA10 and WA9, this brings:
- A fresh sense of place and identity
- Boosted appeal to families and professionals
- More amenities within reach – always a plus on a property listing
3. Transport is getting an upgrade
The new active travel interchange connects buses, walking, and cycling routes with St Helens Central rail station – all within a redesigned hub.
For homeowners, this means:
- Better commuting connections to Liverpool and Manchester
- Higher buyer interest from professionals priced out of the city
- Easier journeys to schools, shops, and work – ideal for families
Thinking about selling in 2026? Book your free, no-pressure valuation with Belvoir St Helens: https://www.belvoir.co.uk/offices/st-helens/
Property prices in WA10: what’s the 2026 outlook?
As of January 2026:
- Average property price in WA10 is £161,000
- Up from £149,000 in 2023 (an 8% rise)
- Detached homes in Eccleston and Windle are fetching £275,000–£320,000
- Modernised terraces near the town centre are selling for £125,000–£150,000
- Family homes near Thatto Heath and Ravenhead are selling within 3–4 weeks
Regeneration brings confidence, and that means:
- More buyers entering the market
- Improved mortgage valuations
- Higher asking prices being achieved – particularly for homes within walking distance of town
What types of homes are most in demand?
3-bedroom semi-detached homes
Perfect for families looking to put down roots – especially near local schools and parks.
What’s selling well:
- Driveways and gardens
- Two bathrooms or downstairs WC
- Modern kitchens with space to dine
2-bed terraces for first-time buyers
These homes are flying in areas like:
- Dentons Green
- Parr
- Ravenhead
Buyers are drawn in by price, transport access and proximity to the town centre changes.
Homes with home office space
Even in modest homes, a spare bedroom or study nook can tip the scale – especially for professionals commuting part-time to Manchester or Liverpool.
Why 2026 is the year to act if you’re selling
Here’s what’s different this year:
You’re ahead of the curve
While prices are already rising, the full regeneration impact hasn’t been “priced in” yet. Sellers who move early can:
- List before competition increases
- Take advantage of New Year buyer demand
- Capitalise on the “new St Helens” narrative
Mortgage market stability
After the rate shocks of 2023–24, interest rates have stabilised, and lenders are competing again for buyers – particularly first-timers.
This creates a healthier chain, with faster sales and fewer fall-throughs.
Local pride is back
Buyers are starting to say:
“I’d love to be part of what’s happening in town.”
That sentiment turns into stronger offers, faster sales and more confident negotiations.
Five tips for selling successfully in WA10 in 2026
1. Emphasise location, location, regeneration
Make sure your estate agent references:
- Walking distance to the new Market Hall
- Proximity to the bus/rail interchange
- Future value as the masterplan unfolds
2. Highlight home-working potential
Even modest spaces can be marketed as:
- “Flexible third bedroom or home office”
- “Ideal for hybrid working professionals”
3. Get your EPC and compliance checks ready early
Buyers want to move fast. Have your documents in place, including:
- EPC certificate (ideally D or better)
- Gas and electric safety records
- Building regs for any extensions or work
4. Stage your home for lifestyle
Now’s the time to highlight:
- Garden or outdoor areas (especially in spring)
- Clean, neutral interiors
- Family-friendly layouts
We can advise on simple touches that boost viewings and offers – without major expense.
5. Choose an agent who knows the area
At Belvoir St Helens, we:
- Track buyer trends street by street
- Know what’s coming in each phase of the town centre plan
- Understand how to position your home for maximum appeal
Ready to get started? Book a free, no-obligation valuation with your local team:
What about landlords and investors?
While this blog is focused on sellers, it’s worth noting that the regeneration is also drawing investor interest – especially for:
- 2-bed terraces near the train station (ideal for commuters)
- 3-bed semis in Ravenhead and West Park (targeting family renters)
Yields in WA10 are still strong:
- Average gross yield for 2-bed terrace: 6.8%
- Rents have risen by over 9% in the last 18 months
- Void periods down to under 2 weeks for most properties
Final thoughts: change is here – are you ready to benefit?
The St Helens regeneration 2026 is no longer a plan – it’s underway.
The Hardshaw Centre is being replaced, the Market Hall is under construction, and the town is evolving into something fresh, exciting and high quality.
For homeowners in WA10 and WA9, this brings a unique window of opportunity. List your home while:
- Buyer demand is high
- Competition is still low
- Regeneration is front-of-mind – but not yet fully priced in
At Belvoir St Helens, we know how to tell the right story, attract the right buyers, and deliver the right price.
Because when property is personal – timing is everything.
