A DEVELOPER which bought the former Tyrers store has made another purchase to continue its investment plans in the town.

Luxor Group has acquired Claughton House, on the corner of Claughton Street and Barrow Street, with plans to convert it into studios and apartments.

The upper floors of the 16,000 sq ft building, which has been empty office space, will become 18 residential units comprising of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and will be known as Luxor House.

A selection of the proposed apartments on the top floor will have outside seating areas.

Keith Park Solicitors and the café on the ground floor will not be affected.

The purchase, for an undisclosed fee, follows Luxor’s acquisition of the former Tyrers in December 2016, which the group says signifies its commitment to St Helens town centre and takes its town centre portfolio to 38 units.

Managing director Paul Nicholson said: “We are excited to start this project, make our vision a reality and bring another unloved derelict building back to economic use.

“Claughton House is well located in the town centre with quality businesses located nearby, including estate agents, banks, accountants and firms of solicitors.

“We believe there is an opportunity to introduce new, high quality housing and with our proposed vision this area of the town will become the ‘Professional Quarter’.”

He added: “We are currently undertaking due diligence and viability statements across other sites in the town centre too.

“There are exciting plans for St Helens being proposed by other local entrepreneurs which is encouraging; the town centre could be a totally different place in a very short period.”

Gary Maddock, St Helens’ town centre manager added: “As a council we are very excited by Luxor Group’s regeneration plans and vision for St HelenThe acquisition of Claughton House will bring a vacant office building back to life and introduce high quality housing.”

Once developed, this will see Liverpool-based Luxor’s portfolio rise to 177 rental units across Merseyside.