Our borough is situated in Merseyside - the heart of the north west - and is proud to be part of the Liverpool City Region. St Helens is shaped by its proud industrial heritage and now focused on building a modern, forward‑looking identity. It covers an area of 136 square kilometres and is home to over 185,000 people with approximately 4,800 businesses based in the borough.
With excellent transport links and easy access to both Liverpool and Manchester, the borough offers a blend of urban convenience and green open spaces. Its communities are diverse and distinctive: from the bustling town centre to small village communities each area brings its own character, amenities, and sense of belonging. Whether someone prefers lively neighbourhoods or quieter, more rural surroundings, St Helens offers a range of places to call home.
Like many post‑industrial areas, St Helens faces challenges. Pockets of deprivation, health inequalities, and the need to revitalise parts of the town centre continue to shape local priorities. Some communities have been particularly affected by economic change, and attracting new investment remains a key ambition. These issues are well understood locally, and they create a landscape where committed people can make a meaningful difference, working alongside residents who care deeply about their borough.
What makes St Helens compelling is the momentum behind change. Major regeneration plans, investment in new housing and infrastructure, and a strong focus on skills, innovation, and community wellbeing are helping the borough redefine itself. Local organisations are working collaboratively to tackle long‑standing issues and create new opportunities, from transforming the town centre to strengthening support for families and businesses. For people joining the area now, it's a chance to be part of a place that's proud of its roots, honest about its challenges, and ambitious about the future it's building.
It is a place with a strong identity and cultural history, rooted in its world-famous rugby league team and its industrial heritage. The borough also has a strong arts and culture scene and is home to two Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations. Its residents are extremely proud of the borough, its history, and its sporting prowess. It is semi-rural in nature - with over 65% of the area being green belt. This makes for a very attractive place to live, with strong growth in new housing and increasing numbers of people choosing to live here thanks to the connectivity to the cities, beautiful countryside, lower house prices and friendly communities.
