The iconic frontage of the Gamble Building on Victoria Square will be protected and preserved, with the construction of a contemporary extension on the rear of the building that is complementary to the historical building.
This extension will provide for a new fully accessible entrance in line with the Equality Act and positively interface with the new St Helens Transport Interchange, providing a welcoming entrance linking directly to the newly created Gamble Plaza and the wider Phase 1 town centre regeneration area.
CGI of the public Archive in the Gamble Building
Archive
The extension will house a new, modern, state of the art Archive facility, including search room, specialist storage facilities with environmental controls to protect items, and most importantly interactive heritage learning. There will be exhibition space and flexible displays to encourage people to explore their own history.
CGI of the Living Room in the Gamble Building
Library
We will bring the St Helens Central Library back into the building as a modern and interactive facility allowing residents to 'dwell and learn' in the town's new high quality and inviting 'living room' - a place where everyone is welcome.
The living room will house a new café and flexible and functional spaces where our residents and visitors can learn new skills, access high quality facilities and come together in an inclusive, welcoming space.
CGI of the Youth Hub in the Gamble Building
Youth Hub
We will create an engaging and inclusive youth facility with a digital focus, allowing young people to engage in activities that support future careers in current day and emerging local growth industries.
The design and function of the Youth Hub will be directly informed by the young people of our Borough and will complement existing facilities and provisions.
Office space
The upper floors will be transformed to provide office space for Council employees, locating them directly in the town centre to increase footfall and dwell time, importantly leading to increased custom for town centre businesses and amenities.
A Business Connect service will provide support for Health and Social Care Sector organisations operating and investing in the borough. It will feature dedicated office space alongside event and networking areas to cultivate a sustainable home-grown Health and Social Care Workforce. Business Connect will help meet the demands of the sector in St Helens whilst stimulating economic growth and increased prosperity by expanding our healthcare business sector.
Understanding the plans
Our plans have been developed to make the best possible use of a complicated, historical space. Individual elements of the design will interact with and complement each other.
