A NIGHTCLUB that has never opened will be converted to a shopping precinct after being sold for around £3 million to a retail company.

The Savoy on Bridge Street, St Helens was created several years ago following the extensive revamp of a former cinema.

But since then it has stood as the town centre's white elephant and has never been opened.

The glass-fronted building could be developed into a number of shopping units or house one large store.

The Star reported last year the building had been placed on the market and can now reveal the same retail giant that owns Church Square Shopping Centre has snapped it up.

ING real estate confirmed a deal has gone through for the club, describing it as an "exciting opportunity to expand shopping in St Helens".