WORKS on transforming the former Tyrers department store will begin in July after council planners gave the green light to proposals.

The Star exclusively reported last December when Liverpool-based luxury developers Luxor Group purchased the iconic Bridge Street building with plan to convert the upper floors into one and two-bedroom luxury apartments.

Meanwhile the basement and ground floor space will be retained for retail use as part of the £1m vision with Luxor seeking offers from potential retailers.

St Helens Council approved the plans, which were formally submitted in January, for the 15,000 sq ft former department store, which will see 15 residential apartments created.

The exterior façade and features will be retained, with Luxor also undertaking essential repair work to the rear of the building and adding decorative exterior lighting.

The apartments, which will be called Luxor Lofts, will consist of nine one-bedroom and six two-bedroom properties to be solely available to rent.

After planners gave the green light, work is scheduled to start this July with completion expected by the end of the year.

Paul Nicholson, managing director of Luxor Group, says the development will make a "positive contribution" to the town centre and and help revive the area which he called a "sleeping giant".

He said: "This is a major milestone achieved for this development, which will result in much needed high quality housing for St Helens as well as introducing a new brand to the town centre in the commercial unit.

"We are currently seeking offers for the duplex commercial unit and have successfully secured a wider planning use."

“The 15 new apartments will provide modern, luxury living space and make a positive contribution to the town centre. We are investing heavily in to St Helens as we consider it to be a ‘sleeping giant’ which can be brought to life with a new vision and regeneration plans supported by the council."

Paul added: “We are committed to making a positive contribution to the area and bringing this landmark building back to use. We are excited to get on site and start working on our £1m vision for the property.”

Tyrers department store closed its doors in January 2016 after 128 years of trading in the town.