Lea Green Railway Station Reopens After GBP 10M Upgrade in Merseyside

Merseyside rail in England is getting a major boost. With new facilities, expanded parking, and sustainable travel links, Lea Green Station is reopening as St Helens’ upgraded gateway to the region—powered by the Transforming Cities Fund.

Lea Green Railway Station in St Helens, England, is set to open to the public in April 2025 following a major GPB 10 million refurbishment, which is a significant milestone in Merseyside’s regional transport development. According to Public Now, the upgrade includes a brand-new ticket office, modern waiting room, toilet facilities, and a decked car park with 450 spaces for park and ride users. The project, spearheaded by Northern Rail in partnership with St Helens Borough Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA), represents the final phase of the wider GBP 15 million St Helens Southern Gateway project, funded through the LCRCA’s Transforming Cities Fund.

📰 | 🚉 New facilities at Lea Green Railway Station set to open in April following £10m upgrade.

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— Merseytravel (@Merseytravel) March 26, 2025

Regional Leaders Praise Impact on Local Mobility

Commenting on the station improvements, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, stated: "Anyone from St Helens will know how important Lea Green is for getting about – and now, it finally has the facilities to match." He added that the new infrastructure would significantly improve daily commutes, with more parking, better access, and overall comfort for passengers.

Lisa Harris, Executive Director of Place Services at St Helens Borough Council, speaking to Public Now, said, "These first-class facilities are exactly what the public of St Helens deserves… and will make it easier for residents to make sustainable transport choices."

Transforming Cities Fund Powers Sustainable Rail Travel in St Helens

According to The Sun, the original renovation plans for Lea Green Station were proposed in 2021, with construction commencing the following year. Despite ongoing works, the station has remained operational, with train services continuing to Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport, and Hull.

St Helens Borough Council also outlines additional improvements under the Southern Gateway scheme, such as safe cycling and walking routes along key corridors like Clock Face Road, Chester Lane, Eaves Lane, and others. Adjustments have been made to the Bull & Dog junction to facilitate safer pedestrian and cycling access. The Council notes that the initiative complements other regional schemes, including the Bold Active Travel Scheme, which will connect Clock Face Lane to the Warrington borough boundary.

Improved Passenger Facilities and Park-and-Ride Capacity at Lea Green

As outlined in St Helens Borough Council's project page, the revamped station includes enhanced customer service areas and increased accessibility, aligning with UK-wide efforts to promote environmentally friendly commuting. An animated film showcasing the station's transformation was also released, showing modern design features and its seamless integration into local transport infrastructure.

Passengers can continue using ticket vending machines or mobile apps while ticket office construction concludes, with nearby stations like St Helens Junction and Rainhill offering full services during the final phase of work.

UK Railway Anniversary and Regional Expansion Plans Align in Liverpool City Region

The Lea Green improvements come amid wider developments across Merseyside. According to The Sun, new stations are planned in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle, Carr Mill in St Helens, and Woodchurch on the Wirral. These expansions are part of a long-term vision to develop a comprehensive, interconnected rail network across the region. The upgrade also coincides with the UK’s 200-year celebration of railway travel, a national moment marked by events across London and the unveiling of Inspiration, a special train set to visit 60 stations throughout the country.

The GBP 10 million investment at Lea Green is expected to enhance the commuter experience, reduce road congestion, and improve access to employment zones, fulfilling key priorities of the LCRCA's mobility agenda. With final approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) anticipated shortly, the fully revamped station is on track to reopen this spring, bringing 21st-century infrastructure to one of St Helens' busiest transport hubs.

Sources: Public Now; The Sun; St Helens Borough Council