AN ice cream parlour and dessert restaurant will be moving into the downstairs of the former Tyrers building – and is due to open in two months.

Icestone Gelato will be moving into the downstairs of the iconic Bridge Street venue which was purchased by developer Luxor Group in December 2016.

It will take over the 4,200 sq ft basement and ground floor levels, transforming the space into a 150-seat restaurant – and is scheduled to open its doors in May 2018. Customers will be offered a selection of fresh gelato made every day, Belgian waffles, crepes, sundaes and hot cookie dough.

The venue will be in direct competition to Kaspa’s, which will be yards away.

Paul Nicholson, managing director of Luxor Group, said: “Tyrers was an institution to the people of Merseyside and we are thrilled to bring the building back to life and introduce a new, highly respected and exciting business to St Helens’ high street. Icestone Gelato is the fastest growing dessert chain in the North, so its arrival in St Helens is a real scoop.

“It strengthens the town centre’s offer considerably while also creating a number of new jobs for the town.

“This, alongside our investment at Nicholson Plaza on Barrow Street, where we have secured three new commercial lettings, and attracting a new business tenant at Nicholson House demonstrates our commitment to aiding St Helens’ regeneration and long-term vision.

“Our approach alongside the support and vision of the Council is now starting to attract new businesses to the town centre and an exciting future.”

Paul Morris, operations director of Icestone Gelato, said: “We are extremely excited to be opening our latest branch in St Helens, a vibrant town with lots of regeneration plans ahead.

“The space available at Nicholson Lofts was perfect for us and we can’t wait to fit out the store and get our name above the door.”

Barrie Grunewald, St Helens Council leader, added: “This opening supports our aim to increase the retail – leisure offer in St Helens .”

The top floor of the 15,000 sq. ft. building has been converted in to a mixture of one and two-bedroom luxury apartments, known as Nicholson Lofts.