AN underground bar that has opened in the town centre has been praised for bringing a city centre vibe to St Helens.

The Church on Ormskirk Street has opened its doors after entrepreneur Ian Pitts transformed a basement area in the building that houses the Imperial Terrace and Bar.

The bar, which specialises in German beer and rum, has been likened to venues in Manchester's trendy Northern Quarter. Mr Pitts will follow up this development by opening a gin and coffee bar, to be named the Secret Garden, in a former jewellers nearby.

Gary Maddock, the St Helens town centre manager, says there is a desire to increase the variety of food, drink and leisure attractions in the town centre.

He said: "The bar is like something from a city centre. It is for over 25s and it has high quality German beers and rums.

"It offers the type of variety St Helens needs and will help develop the nighttime economy. It looks fantastic and has a great feel to it. People have been asking for quality places to come to have a drink – and this adds to what we have here."

Mr Maddock expressed confidence that the opening of The Church, along with Kaspa's desserts on Bridge Street, will attract more visitors and begin to increase public confidence in the town centre.

St Helens Council recently unveiled a ten-year strategy for the town centre and purchased Church Square Shopping centre in an effort to take greater control of how the area develops.

The strategy is expected to go beyond just improving retail, placing a focus on creating a thriving scene for arts and culture and regenerating the Sankey Canal so that restaurants and bars can be located at the water's edge.

He added: "Phoenix vegan restaurant on Corporation Street is due to open, and Mo Mo's cafe (on Cotham Street) is on its way too. It is all about improving the leisure offer for the daytime and night-time economy, for families and for everybody.

"We are seeking to attract more quality food and drink establishments and increase the variety on offer."