THE town centre has received a welcome boost following the news that two high profile retailers will be arriving on the West Point site.

Costa Coffee and Bella Italia have confirmed that they will be moving into premises at the new development joining supermarket giant Aldi which opened its doors in May.

And hopes remain high that details for a new bowling alley on the 5.3 acre sight will soon be revealed.

Council leader Barrie Grunewald welcomed the news stating: "This site was derelict for a long time but now we can all see how it is being brought back to life with an exciting retail and leisure offer that further strengthens the town centre.

“The imminent arrival of Costa Coffee and Bella Italia complements the wider leisure offer in that part of town, particularly the nearby Cineworld cinema.”

The site is being developed by Orbit Developments whose senior development manager Paul Hubball said: “Development on the West Point site has stalled in the past, but since the development partnership between Orbit and the council was created, we’re pleased to see commercial development progressing well.

“It’s been a pleasure working with such a proactive and forward thinking council as St Helens where private sector investment is welcomed as a key driver for redevelopment."