Luxor Group acquires Barrow House on the corner of Claughton Street and Barrow Street and aims to attract independent and fledgling businesses with a number of incentives. Tony McDonough reports

Developer Luxor Group has acquired a commercial building in St Helens town centre and aims to turn it into a hub for independent businesses and start-ups.

Barrow House on the corner of Claughton Street and Barrow Street comprises a parade of three ground floor retail units, a café linked to a shopping arcade, and basement leisure space totalling 10,000 sq ft.

Luxor has bought the site for an undisclosed sum and now intends to transform it into ‘Luxor Plaza’, a community of different offerings to attract shoppers to the area.

In June Luxor gained planning permission to convert the former Tyrers department store in the town into luxury apartments.

The firm is now working closely with the council and undertaking due diligence as to possible uses of the upper floors of Barrow House.

It is hoping to entice potential tenants to the units with massive savings and offers to help get their new venture afloat.

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 rent free periods throughout the term of lease to assist with cash flow.

Prior to marketing, Luxor has already received strong levels of interest with two applicants coming forward to launch new ventures at the development.

Managing director of Luxor Group, Paul Nicholson said: “We understand how difficult it can be in the initial stages of setting up a business.

“We want to offer incentives for aspiring retailers to help them find their feet and get their business running smoothly.

“With massive regeneration plans afoot in St Helens, now is a great time for businesses to benefit from the changing landscape of the town centre and get going with a business idea they have always dreamed of.