New businesses announced for St Helens town centre

Luxor Group has welcomed a series of new businesses to its three developments in St Helens town centre.

The latest announcement will see Sovereign Food and Wine move in to the 4,200 sq ft basement and ground floor levels of the former Tyrers department store.

The top floor of the 15,000 sq ft building has been converted in to a mixture of one and two-bedroom luxury apartments, known as Nicholson Lofts.

Fit-out works have already started and the convenience store is expected to be open early February 2019.

New tenants also include geek and gaming lounge Barzookoid, which has taken 4,300 sq ft at Nicholson Plaza, while Laguna tanning sunbed salon has taken 1,300 sq ft, respectively.

Meanwhile, Classy Cuts hair salon has occupied an 800 sq ft unit at Barrow Street’s Nicholson House and The Dean restaurant will open in the former Willowbrook units in the new year.

Entertainment company MD Productions has agreed to occupy the 3,230 sq m shopping arcade on Claughton Street, to use as a dance studio and educational services.

Miguel Doforo, creative director of MD Productions, said: “MD Productions are extremely excited to be bringing our community initiative, Blank Canvas, and creative training academy to St Helens.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the great support from Paul and the amazing team at Luxor.

“With this support we will be offering free sessions on Wednesdays and other free initiatives at the old Barrow Arcade as part of our give-back to the community.

“We look forward to a great future in St Helens working alongside Luxor to bring exciting creative opportunities for work, for life and for stage.”

Luxor Group purchased the buildings in 2017 and has been busy transforming them in to a vibrant community of different unique offerings to attract customers to the area.

Chief executive of Luxor Group, Paul Nicholson, believes supporting local, small businesses is vital to help the town centre thrive.

He said the recent lettings show there is demand in the town centre from smaller independents: “We are delighted to have secured a number of new tenants for the town centre, including Sovereign Food and Wine at the former Tyrers department store.

“It strengthens the town centre’s offer considerably while also creating a number of new jobs.

“We believe high streets can thrive again, it’s about finding the right local mix and giving aspiring businesses the opportunity to be successful.”

Cllr Andy Bowden, St Helens Council’s cabinet member for balanced development, housing and economic opportunity, added: “A greater variety of independent retailers and leisure opportunities is a key priority in our ambitious plans for St Helens town centre’s regeneration, and this latest development by Luxor Group is a positive step in that direction.

“The nature of town centres, how we use them, and how we shop, is changing on a national level.

“We, and businesses, must adapt to these shifting trends and providing tailored support to independent entrepreneurs and the private sector locally, St Helens Council is demonstrating its commitment to achieving a prosperous town centre.”