A new “high quality wine, spirits and champagne” bar is set to open in Prescot.

In a meeting lasting just 10 minutes on Wednesday, Knowsley Council’s licensing committee granted a licence to Eden, which has taken over the former Prescot Heritage Hub building in Eccleston Street.

Cllr Terry Powell, the committee chairman, said he had been “well impressed” by Eden’s application and how they had “bent over backwards” to satisfy the requirements of the police and fire brigade.

The bar, which could open as early as mid-December, will form part of the “quality entertainment offer” in the regenerated Prescot town centre, according to Gary Maddock, who addressed the committee on behalf of the applicant, Antonia Griffiths.

Mr Maddock told the committee: “The concept will be not something that will just complement but improve the nighttime economy as well.

“It would be a positive addition to an already developing town centre, both in the day and nighttime economy.”

The council had received just one objection to Eden receiving a licence, from a neighbour who was concerned about anti-social behaviour and noise.

In his written objection, the neighbour said: “There are already numerous licensed premises on Eccleston Street and the surrounding area that cause a public nuisance due to the consumption of alcohol.

“The area is not policed when the premises are open and especially at closing time. Adding another licensed premise is only going to add to the nuisance already felt by residents of the area.”

The objector did not attend Wednesday’s meeting, but asked by Cllr Powell to respond to his concerns, Mr Maddock said he thought the conditions attached to the licence “would negate a lot if not all of his particular issues”.

Although the committee usually takes five working days to inform applicants of its decision, Cllr Powell said in the meeting that Eden would receive a licence.

He said: “Welcome to Knowsley. I think you are a different type of business and I think good luck for the future.”

Eden still requires planning permission for a change of use before it can open, but its application is due to be decided around December 12 and the bar is aiming to open before Christmas.