Businesses including Sovereign Food and Wine, ‘geek and gaming’ lounge Barzookoid, Laguna tanning sunbed salon, and MD Productions have all taken space

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

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.

The convenience store offers a variety of services including dry cleaning & alterations, photocopying, as well as selling a good selection of food and drink. Fit out works have already started and it 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. 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.

Entertainment company MD Productions has agreed to occupy the 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.

“From the initial conversations it was clear this site and Luxor were the perfect fit for our next chapter and growth. 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.” 

Chief executive of Luxor Group, Paul Nicholson, believes supporting local, small businesses is vital to help the town centre thrive. He says the recent lettings show there is demand in the town centre from smaller independents.

He explained: “We believe high streets can thrive again, it’s about finding the right local mix and giving aspiring businesses the opportunity to be successful. We understand how difficult it can be in the initial stages of setting up a business. We offer a range of incentives to help small businesses get up and running.

“This includes a £0 deposit to secure a unit, flexible tenancies to suit their needs, access to shop fitters and signage, assistance with marketing and generous rent free periods with no additional service charge and insurance rent to pay.”