Liverpool-based Luxor Group has acquired the five-storey building on Bridge Street, St Helens, which closed its doors as a retail outlet earlier this year after 128 years. Tony McDonough reports.
For 128 years it was one of Merseyside’s best-known independent department stores – now the former Tyrers outlet in St Helens is to be converted into apartments.
Liverpool-based Luxor Group has acquired the five-storey Bridge Street building and says it will spend more than £1m on the residential conversion.
Luxor Group is a “luxury” development company which started acquiring derelict buildings in the outskirts of Liverpool city centre.
Now with a portfolio of more than 155 rental units, the firm are looking to expand outside of the city.
Luxor says the 15,000 sq ft Tyrers site will be converted in to a mixture of one and two-bedroom luxury apartments on the upper floors.
The basement and ground floor retail space will be retained, with the developer already looking for potential retailers.
The exterior façade and features will be retained, with the developers revamping the rear of the building and adding decorative exterior lighting.
Paul Nicholson, managing director of Luxor Group, said: “Tyrers was an institution to the people of Merseyside and we are excited to bring the building back to life by creating functional living space and attracting a tenant for the retail space.
“There was a real danger that the building could have laid empty for years to come.
“We are now starting to consider potential retail tenants to approach that would add value to the residents of St Helens.”
On the projects already undertaken in Liverpool, Mr Nicholson added: “Since we started investing in the Kensington area of Liverpool we have seen a substantial regeneration which has been great for the local community and residents.
“With the support of St Helens Council we see a similar opportunity here in St Helens.
“We are constantly seeking opportunities to acquire beautiful old forgotten buildings to convert into affordable luxury homes.”