EAMONN McManus has hailed the "positive progress" of the development at the West Point site - saying it is time to start restoring "people's faith in the town centre".

Last month it was revealed Superbowl UK were the latest brand to sign a deal to open a site at the location, with a £1.8m bowling alley and family entertainment complex set to open in spring 2018.

This will feature 12 tenpin bowling lanes, a Crazy Club soft play centre, a Ninja Warrior trampoline-style assault course, amusement arcade, diner and a lounge sports bar.

Already confirmed at the site were Chiquitos, who will open a restaurant at the site opposite Cineworld Cinema, later this year, with Costa Coffee and supermarket chain Aldi already having opened premises.

Mr McManus was earlier this year named chairman of the St Helens Economy Board, a new drive by business leaders and key local organisations to attract more investment and jobs to the borough.

He said: “It’s encouraging to see that positive progress is being made over at the West Point site which will soon have recognised names from the world of leisure and food open for business here in St Helens."

The Saints chairman added: “We all know that St Helens, particularly the town centre, has had a difficult time over the years, but as part of my role as chairman of my hometown’s economy board, it’s time to start restoring local people’s faith in their town centre – and to do that, we need to attract business investment and jobs into the area to give residents the town centre that they deserve."

Orbit Developments, part of the Emerson Group, is leading on the transformation of the former St Thomas's Square site. Director Paul Hubball said the development will have the right mix of attractions to have a positive impact on the town.

And St Helens Council leader Barrie Grunewald welcomed what he called a "huge shot in the arm" for the town centre's leisure offerings.

“West Point is slowly but surely developing into a top class facility, with Chiquitos and now a bowling alley set for the site, which comes as a huge shot in the arm for the town centre’s leisure offer," said Clr Grunewald.

“To think what the site looked like only a few years ago to how it will look once complete is very exciting indeed and all part of our plan to deliver a town centre that the people of St Helens can be proud of."