Old St Helens department store to be ‘brought to life’ in £1m Luxor Lofts scheme

Seven-figure plans to turn the former Tyrers department store in St Helens into residential and business space have received the go-ahead.

St Helens Council gave the thumbs up for the 15,000 sq ft property to be transformed into 15 residential apartments, with the site’s ground floor and basement to be converted for commercial use.

Merseyside developer Luxor Group, the company behind the £1m project, acquired the former Tyrers department store in December last year.

The scheme will retain the building’s exterior façade and features, deliver “essential” repairs at the rear and add decorative exterior lighting, Luxor said.

To be known as Luxor Lofts, the scheme will house nine one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments, all available to rent.

Luxor Group MD Paul Nicholson said: “This is a major milestone achieved for this development, which will result in much needed high quality housing for St Helens as well as introducing a new brand to the town centre in the commercial unit.

“We are currently seeking offers for the duplex commercial unit and have successfully secured a wider planning use.”

Image: How the Luxor Lofts development will look

He continued: “The 15 new apartments will provide modern, luxury living space and make a positive contribution to the town centre.

“We are investing heavily into St Helens as we consider it to be a ‘sleeping giant’ which can be brought to life with a new vision and regeneration plans supported by the council.”

Work is due to begin this July for completion by the end of 2017.

Speaking further, Paul added: “We are committed to making a positive contribution to the area and bringing this landmark building back to use. We are excited to get on site and start working on our £1m vision for the property.”