Readers react to Imperial Quarter street food venue plans

As the Star has previously reported, entrepreneur Ian Pitts is seeking to create the Imperial Quarter at the site of a former public toilets on Brook Street.

The businessman already owns the Cork & Dough restaurant, Imperial Bar, the Secret Garden and The Church, which are on Ormskirk Street adjacent to the proposed site.

The documents and drawings in a planning application, submitted to St Helens Borough Council in January, set out ambitions to convert the former building with the addition of a first floor extension.

An overhead view of hpw the venue would be laid out Pic: St Helens Council Planning Portal

On the ground floor would be a series of street food units and on the first floor would be seating.

There would also be an ice cream shop.

The proposals also aim to install other containers on the paved area near the Brook Street building that would house two additional extra street food units.

There would also be outdoor seating.

READ > Two pubs transforming their outdoor spaces during lockdown

Last year the Star reported on the plans to create six independently run high quality local street food operators that would work alongside the client’s other bars and restaurants.

In the region of 20 new jobs could be created.

Plans show how IMperial Quarter would be on two levels Pic: St Helens Council Planning Portal

Local street food and bar business models were working successfully in cities around the UK over the past few years prior to lockdown.

Imperial Quarter would be a smaller scale version for St Helens but there are hopes, if approved, it could deliver a boost to the hospitality sector and social scene once lockdown restrictions are eventually eased.

Star readers have reacted enthusiastically to the plans on social media, saying they are looking forward to seeing the proposed premises when lockdown lifts.

Gayle Obrien said: “Great idea. When we are allowed to socialise again, this is exactly the sort of thing people will be looking for. Instead of having to go to Liverpool, there will be an option in our own town!”

Dan Shakespeare added: “Superb.

“Think about where we are now, to a future where we’ll be going into town, picking up some drinks and street food. Then going onto the Citadel for a gig.”

Mark Roberts wrote: “Well done Ian Pitts, you’re certainly investing your money in your/our town.”

And Gary Draper added: “Looking forward to seeing this. More independent outlets and jobs created”.