Nicholson Group, formerly known as Luxor Group, has delivered the multi-million pound Nicholson Plaza mixed-use project. Tony McDonough reports
Developer Paul Nicholson claims to be spearheading the regeneration of St Helens town centre as his latest project – Nicholson Plaza – takes shape.
Nicholson Group, formerly known as Luxor Group, has delivered the multi-million pound project in a former office building on the corner of Claughton Street and Barrow Street where it is creating 12 luxury apartments.
The project follows on from the company conversion of the historic former Tyrer’s department store in the town and is in tandem with its plans to acquire and convert the Grade II-listed Beechams Clock Tower.
Catalyst for regeneration
Nicholson Plaza will also offer residents an 11,500 sq ft rooftop terrace with landscaped gardens and seating areas. The scheme includes commercial space and Mr Nicholson believes it will become a catalyst for further regeneration in the town.
“The design of the scheme from concept to delivery was always focused on being a testament both to the industry of the vicinity’s past and the vibrancy of the present and beyond,” he said.
“Nicholson Plaza designed under the Team Nico brand, forms the centrepiece of a new St Helens neighbourhood that we have been responsible for driving in the town centre known as the ‘Professional Quarter’.
“We’ve created a striking façade with twelve stunning one-bedroom apartments, saturated in natural light, all completed to a very high specification* that includes an exclusive tenant private rooftop terrace. When we acquired the site, it was a derelict building in poor condition. It is now home to successful businesses and occupiers making it their home.”
Iconic landmarks
He added the firm has been spearheading the regeneration of St. Helens with its ‘WA10’ portfolio that will shortly comprise of more than one hundred residences plus 11 commercial units situated in iconic landmarks within the heart of the town centre.
He explained: “There’s an existing and slowly developing critical mass of infrastructure and investment here that’s cultural, creative, retail, leisure, entertainment and transport-based.
“The town centre needs to encourage and embrace change. It needs to see that reinvention is the way forward, it’ll be a place to live and play and not just to shop anymore. We need to encourage vibrancy and an eclectic array of restaurants and bars at the correct market level… ie, professionals with disposable income.
“The demand for the apartments has been unprecedented, outstripping our last two projects. The apartments were reserved well before the development was complete with a reservation list in tow.
“Anyone interested in renting one of our market leading apartments shouldn’t be disappointed though as we will be commencing the next stage of the development, Nicholson Place, which will comprise 16 apartments, a mixture of one and two bedrooms.
“We have our eyes firmly set on further acquisitions so hopefully we will have further good news to share shortly.”