THE £2.3m transformation of Claughton House into apartments and studios has been completed.

Developers The Luxor Group bought the building, situated on the corner of Claughton Street and Barrow Street, St Helens in September 2017.

The upper floors of the 16,000 sq. ft. building, now known as Nicholson House, have been converted into 18 residential units made up of three studios, nine one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments.

A selection of the apartments on the top floor include balcony areas which overlook the town centre.

The site of the mixed-use development includes ground floor commercial units which remain unaffected by the residential development.

Paul Nicholson, chief executive of Luxor Group, said: “All apartments were reserved off plan and we have received further applications of interest, clearly identifying the demand and desire from the local community for more quality housing of this kind.

“We would encourage any interested parties to get in touch as we are starting our next development in January.”

Given the changing face of retail and rise in empty shopping units, creating more residential space in town centres is regarded by some regeneration experts as a key to their long-term survival.

Earlier this year Luxor completed the redevelopments of the former Tyrers store into apartments and are currently creating a number of commercial units on Barrow Street and Claughton Street.