Plans for ground floor of former Tyrers store submitted

Tyrers was a St Helens institution and its department store and top floor cafe were a key part of the town centre for decades.

Many loyal customers across St Helens were saddened when the historic family-run store closed in 2016.

The landmark building was left empty for several years before being purchased by developer the Luxor Group, which created 15 one and two-bedroom apartments upstairs and commercial units below.

A budget shop, named Tyrer's Express (which had no link to the former business) occupied the ground floor and and basement before closing.

READ > Final push for memorial chapel for mothers of stillborn babies

After a spell lying empty, the ground floor – which formerly housed the fragrance counter of Tyrers – is to become the creative resource centre and a "1920s style cafe" for MD Creatives.

Founded by Miguel Doforo, the hub is an addition to the Barrow Street 'academy' launched to offer a creative educational, social and communal space for young and old in community.

The former Tyrers

The Bridge Street addition aims to host a radio station, a space for academy students to study maths and English, house IT suites, provide evening classes and more, but it will also house a the themed cafe and a takeaway deli.

The idea of a cafe being relaunched inside the former Tyrer's building is something Miguel has been excited to do due to feedback from residents.

A formal planning application has now been submitted to the council by Miguel.

The application says it seeks permission for a "change of use of ground floor and basement units to learning institution and ancillary ground floor cafeteria".

Speaking to the Star about the project last year, Miguel said: "The whole rebranding of MD Productions to MD Creatives is to put across the message that we are not just about dance but a place where creativity is celebrated.

"We want to help people no matter their age and background create a life for themselves through creativity, and one of the courses we have to do that is a catering course.

"We wanted a tea room and deli for students to learn and use those skills, and when Paul [Nicholson] at Luxor said he would sponsor the fit out at the Tyrers building and give us a rent free period we thought it would be good to bring of nostalgia back to St Helens.

"We love it here, it's our home and we want to pay homage to the past while celebrating the future.

"The tea room will serve [former] favourites from Tyrers cafe, and the students who act as staff will be dressed in 1920s clothing and there will be music playing.

"The where the loading area is at the back of the building, we will offer deli food to takeaway, which should be popular, especially with all the students in St Helens."

Miguel with some students

A standard consultation on the plans was opened to the public on Tuesday, April 13 and lasts until May 4.

A determination deadline has been set for June 4.

"A creative future does not mean forgetting our past, it's about embracing that and moving forward and we are so excited to do that."